4 MEMORABLE MANCHESTER SHOWDOWNS

March 1968, First Division: Manchester Utd 1 Man City 3

GEORGE BEST opened the scoring for United after just one minute but Colin Bell levelled. Centre-back George Heslop headed City ahead before Francis Lee wrapped up a famous win from the spot. City went on to become champions two months later but United eclipsed them by winning the European Cup.

April 1974, First Division: Manchester Utd 0 Man City 1

DENIS LAW was crestfallen as he scored for City with an audacious backheel against United (below). The Red Devils had needed to win to have any hope of avoiding the drop and Law’s lack of celebration, underlining his love for a club where he is revered, indicated their chances were gone. Law was so upset he never kicked a ball competitively again.

April 2011, FA Cup semi-final: Manchester City 1 Man Utd 0

UNITED held a stranglehold over their neighbours in derby meetings throughout the 1990s and early 2000s but City’s deserved Wembley victory underlined their emergence as a major force following their 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game early in the second half.

April 2012, Premier League: Manchester City 1 Man Utd 0

THE title race seemed over when City lost at Arsenal to fall eight points behind United with six games remaining. But Roberto Mancini’s men rallied and headed into the derby, their third last game of the season, trailing by just three points. Vincent Kompany then headed the only goal on a tense night at the Etihad Stadium to send City top on goal difference. They went on to clinch the title, albeit in even more dramatic circumstances on the final day.