One of the big games of the EPL season is this Sunday at 8:30 when Manchester United goes to the Etihad to play Manchester City. In the past few years, this game has recently been one of the must see games now that both teams are in the top half of the table. Here is what you need to know about the Manchester Derby.
1. This is the 168th Manchester Derby
After their first match in November 1894 (won by United), Manchester United has the lead with 69 wins, Manchester City has 48 wins and there are 50 draws.
2. Rival fans may live along with each other but it’s not friendly
The two stadiums are located within a few miles of each other. Like the Merseyside Derby, Manchester City and United fans who live in Manchester live with each other and work with each other every day but unlike the Liverpool teams, they aren’t that friendly about each other. This kind of sums it up.
3. The Top goalscorer in the Manchester Derby isn’t someone you would think of
Out of all the legends who have taken part in the Manchester Derby, Wayne Rooney has already become top goalscorer with 11 goals. To many, Rooney scored the best goal in his career so far with this absolutely beautiful bicycle kick.
4. Manchester City haven’t been as historically horrible as you may think
After undertaking new ownership and winning the EPL title in 2 of the past 3 years, Manchester City was in a slump. Their worst stretch was in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when they found their first spell in the 3rd division. Before the 1990’s, City spent just as many seasons in the top flight than United. They haven’t had the trophy success as their red neighbors but they still have a very respectable history as they have 4 first division titles and 5 FA Cups.
5. Notable people who have been with both teams
Players such as Denis Law, Peter Barnes, Peter Beardsley, Andy Cole and Carlos Tevez have had spells in both Manchester’s. A total of 24 players have played in the red and blue of Manchester. One notable person affiliated with both is Sir Matt Busby. Many remember Busby as the legendary manager who saved Manchester United after the Munich Air Disaster and began the tradition of winning for the team at Old Trafford. Before all that, Busby was a Manchester City player. He spent 8 years at Manchester City from 1928-36 and 5 at Liverpool from 1936-41 before retiring and taking over managing Man U in 1945. It’s ironic that someone who played his entire career at the two main rivals of Manchester United, that Busby went to Man U to become one of the most influential figures in team history.
