Memorable moments: the best Manchester derby of all time? The best Manchester City shootout victory was decided by the set-up

It’s one of the most memorable moments in Manchester derby history. The then Red Devils coach Sir Alex Ferguson even called it the best derby of all time. Michael Owen’s second-half stoppage time winner gave United the win and ensured a huge burst of joy at Old Trafford.

It was 20 September 2009 when Manchester United and Manchester City faced each other in the 6th round of the English top flight. The Premier League match of the year, the pundits claimed after the game, and they were absolutely right.

The Red Devils took a very early lead in this match. In the second minute, the home side had a throw-in. Patrice Evra sent the ball in, Wayne Rooney took it, weaved his way through the Citizens defenders and opened the scoring.

Fourteen minutes later, however, it was level. Carlos Tévez found Gareth Barry with a pass, who beat United goalkeeper Ben Foster. There was no goal for the rest of the first half, although both teams created great scoring opportunities.

However, the second half brought five goals. In the 49th minute, the Red Devils regained the lead. Ryan Giggs sent a low cross that found Darren Fletcher, who sent his follow-up shot past goalkeeper Shay Given.

But United’s lead didn’t last long. The Citizens responded to their opponents’ goal with a superb shot from Craig Bellamy, who directed his unstoppable shot into the top right corner of the net – 2: 2!

However, the home team had more offensive chances after that, but it didn’t affect the score, quite the opposite. It remained a draw. The fans saw another goal in the 80th minute.

Shaun Wright-Phillips fouled Evra, and Giggs played the subsequent standard. The legendary Welshman’s centre found Fletcher again, who headed and scored again – 3: 2 for Manchester United.

It looked like the Red Devils were going to win this game. However, in the 90th minute there was a shock for the home fans. Rio Ferdinand first attempted a surprise pass, which failed. It was intercepted by Martin Petrov, who sent Bellamy into the box to level the game at 3-3.

There’s Giggs again, Owen makes the tackle!

Amazing game! But even that wasn’t the final result. In stoppage time of the second half, Carlos Tévez was guilty of an offence when his tackle left John O’Shea lying on the pitch. And then the star Giggs was successful for the third time.

He headed the ball from a direct kick to Michael Owen, who scored the winner in the 96th minute to give Manchester United a 4-3 victory. Old Trafford exploded with uncontrollable joy.

The famous English side proved that they are still the better of the two Manchester sides. At the end of the season, however, it was the Citizens who were rejoicing in a better position.

The championship title was won by Chelsea (87 points), Manchester City finished the 2014/15 league season in second place with 79 points. Taken together, Manchester United finished only fourth (70 points) with a five-point deficit to third-placed Arsenal.

Sources: Premier League, Bleacher Report