Few rivalries in football capture the world’s attention like the Manchester Derby, in which both Manchester United and Manchester City, two teams with very rich histories and fiercely loyal fanbases, face off. Manchester United, under the guideance of Sir Ferguson, was one of the most dominant forces in English football but has since been unable to reclaim its dominance. In the meantime, almost in a heartbeat, Manchester City took control of English football and has since become one of the best European clubs.

However, the Manchester derby has changed in meaning since the Ferguson era. It has turned into a contest – where local and international championship ambitions are at stake, qualification to Europe’s prestigious tournaments, and respect within the rival groups. Every time these matches are played at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, they come with suspense, a degree of class, and a good storyline. After Ferguson’s retirement, there were changes and re-positionings of both Manchester teams, meaning that the games have become more interesting and unpredictable.

Before diving into the matches, it’s worth noting that if you’re a football fan who enjoys adding extra excitement to the game through sports betting, platforms like Stake offer a range of betting options on football and various sports, including horse racing betting, which provides a thrill for both casual and seasoned players alike.

1. Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City (March 25, 2014)

Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United had a challenging 2013-2014 campaign. In contrast to the team’s supremacy under Ferguson, the club chose David Moyes as their new coach. However, the team underperformed and finished mid-table at the time of the Manchester Derby on March 25, 2014. In the meantime, Manchester City, led by Manuel Pellegrini, was challenging for the Premier League championship and upholding their reputation for playing offensive football.

As the game kicked off at Old Trafford on March 25, 2014, City were quick to assume control. Within the very first minute of play, Edin Džeko was quick to react first to a miss by Samir Nasri who had struck the post. He rolled the ball into the empty City goal to make the score 1-0 in favor of City. The goal delivered the message that the fluidity in City’s attacking force would always be a problem for the United’s back line. Moyes’ team was unable to counter in any effective way and found themselves tearing in the midfield where they were well outnumbered by Yaya Toure and Fernandinho.

Furthermore, City consolidated their supremacy when Džeko scored another goal in the 56th minute, this time with a powerful shot from a corner – 2:0. United’s attack lacked coordination and as a result, they found it difficult to penetrate City’s established defense with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck cut off and left with no services.

Yaya Touré brought a decisive blow for City in the 90th minute when he got the better of David de Gea with a low shot into the bottom corner to make the score three goals to none. The three-nil outcome highlighted the gap between the two clubs in the years after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from Manchester United. This derby not only deepened the crisis at Old Trafford but it also underscored City’s new position as the leading team in Manchester football. Moyes’ time at the club was almost up, and this loss only added to the speculation around his head hanging in the balance.

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2. Manchester United 2-3 Manchester City (April 7, 2018)

Moving forward to 2018, the Manchester Derby witnessed a role reversal. City, now the dominant force under Guardiola, seemed unstoppable, yet United reminded everyone that anything could happen when these two sides meet. So much so, that Manchester City, now coached by Pep Guardiola, was one step away from winning the Premier League title with the most record points. The only thing that was going to be in their way of lifting the trophy was a derby match against their local rivals Manchester United who were to play at the Etihad Stadium. Title winning for the City fans was particularly sweet as they would do so alighting their biggest enemies.

City was at it from the first minute just as they had throughout the season. They dominated the first half to score two goals against none, thanks to goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan. After the break, it seemed that City would stroll to victory, lift the title, and commence the party. Still, what happened in the second half can only be remembered as the greatest comeback ever in the history of the Manchester derby.

In most of the previous matches, Paul Pogba, often criticized for inconsistent performances, ignited a stunning comeback with two quick goals that left City and their fans stunned, turning a seemingly inevitable defeat into a thrilling contest. When City was scrambling to restore their dominance, the impactful performance was capped by Chris Smalling, who scored the winner off a set-piece. United had spoiled City’s title celebrations, and even though City won the league, this game proved that United could still spoil their more successful rivals’ plans.

This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Manchester derby. Even when one side appears to have the upper hand, anything can happen. Fans looking to bet on future derbies or other sporting events can check out platforms like Stake for a variety of sports betting options.

3. Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United (March 6, 2022)

In 2022, the gap between Manchester United and Manchester City seemed wider than ever. On one hand, City, under the able guidance of their manager Guardiola, was again competing for the Premier League title. On the other hand, United was struggling under the drive of manager Ralf Rangnick who was an interim manager. There has been a striking change between the two clubs when it comes to the derby held at the Etihad Stadium.

From kick-off to the final whistle, City asserted their dominance, dictating the pace and leaving United chasing shadows. Kevin de Bruyne scored two goals and controlled the midfield, while Riyad Mahrez scored two as well. United on the other end was outdone everywhere. Thus the scoreline of 4-1 while elucidating City’s superiority once again underscored the hurdle that United had to overcome to be able to take on opponents undertaking the fight for the honors. In truth, for City, it was yet another move towards the much-coveted Premiership, but for United – even much more disappointing than the scoreline – how many more games would be needed to play to turn them back into a force?

This match highlighted the sharp contrast in fortunes between the two Manchester clubs in recent years. City flourished under Guardiola, as all good empires do, but where is the glory of the Reds? It was nowhere to be found. Fans looking to wager on future derbies or other football games can explore sports betting platforms like Stake, which also provides options for betting on other events like horse racing odds.

4. Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City (March 8, 2020)

In recent years, not all the Manchester derbies have been City influences. In March 2020, Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was able to pull off a remarkable victory against their rivals at Old Trafford. City came into the fixture as the bookies’ favorite after having claimed the Premier League title for two successive seasons. This however did not deter United from executing their game plan.

The match began with consistent ball possession from City as is the norm under Guardiola. Still, United’s plan of relying on counter-attacking was very successful. Bruno Fernandes, who had been in superb form since joining the team, assisted Anthony Martial, with the latter scoring a goal after beating City’s goalkeeper Ederson following a free kick taken by Martial.

As City’s players were in search of an equalizer, United stood their ground and defended well, much to the annoyance of their enemies. However, in injury time, the goalkeeper Ederson made one goalkeeping howler, which allowed Scott McTominay to score a brilliant shot from out of the box. 

This victory for United was; however, a lot more beyond three points. It was proof to the players that they could still contend with the best in the league irrespective of the fact that they were not yet perennial challengers. The defeat was also unique for City as such had the glorious unpredictability that is the Manchester derby. For fans looking to bet on future encounters between these two rivals, online sports betting platforms like Stake.com offer a range of options.

5. Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United (December 7, 2019)

At the game held at Etihad Stadium, the City team trained by Pep Guardiola and rated as heavy favorites were humbled by the team which was managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It was very clear from the beginning it was apparent what United’s game plan would be: a deep defense that let the opponents dictate the tempo all for the sake of a quick counter off the break. The sheer electrifying speed of Rashford was too much for City as he won the penalty for United after being brought down by Bernardo Silva inside the box. The young lad scored with precision from the penalty spot, to put United in the lead.

Within a span of few moments, Anthony Martial added a second for United with a crisp low shot through Ederson, as the City fans were left in shock. While they enjoyed a high share of the ball, City could not fashion any meaningful opportunities, as Harry Maguire and David de Gea simply marshaled the United backline. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Fred were instrumental in curtailing the City’s offensive threats, displaying aggression and tactical discipline that annoyed Guardiola’s team even more as the match wore on.

This game highlighted how form and expectations mean little in the Manchester Derby, anything can happen when emotions run high, making every match an exciting betting opportunity. For fans interested in betting on upcoming derbies or other major football fixtures, Stake offers great sports betting opportunities, allowing fans to engage more deeply with the game.

The Evolution of the Manchester Derby Post-Ferguson

The dynamic of the Manchester derby has shifted considerably ever since Sir Alex Ferguson put a permanent end to his managerial career. The derby is no longer just about which team has the best supporters; it’s a battle for supremacy, European qualification, and financial stakes.

Every Manchester derby that has taken place since Ferguson has a certain importance to it. Be it winning the battle of supremacy, taking revenge, or even being the party that spoils the others’ plans. Considering how both the Manchester clubs are keen to outdo each other, expect many more enjoyable derby moments in the future.

Football fans regard the Manchester derby as one of the most exciting events on the footy calendar, and as the rivalry continues to evolve, so too does the intensity of each encounter. Fans who wish to add an extra layer of excitement to the game can explore betting on horse racing and football betting options on platforms like Stake.com.