16/04/2010 07:00 - ManUtd.com, Geoff Berkeley
Great wins over City
Clean sheets have been key to four of United's last five away wins in Manchester derbies. The exception was a five-goal thriller 14 years ago...
Maine Road, 6 April 1996, 3-2, (Cantona, Cole, Giggs)
A game of great significance for both sides, with City on the fringes of relegation, while United were involved in a titanic tussle for the title with Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle, who'd held a 10-point lead at Christmas. Eric Cantona's early penalty and an Andrew Cole strike - either side of Mikhail Kavelashvili's equaliser - put the Reds 2-1 up at half-time, but when Uwe Rosler netted in the 72nd minute, it looked as though the Blues had secured a vital point. Step forward Ryan Giggs for a stunning winner, jubilantly celebrated by the away fans. United went on to win the Double while City were relegated on goal difference.
Maine Road, 18 November 2000, 1-0 (Beckham)
The first derby for four years - while City were out of the top flight - had all the classic ingredients: strong challenges, verbal exchanges and a moment of magic. Before any of the dust could settle between the two sides, the recently-appointed England captain David Beckham struck a trademark 30-yard free-kick to seize the lead inside two minutes. The resulting score line did not truly reflect what was an exhilarating match, as both sides created numerous chances. The Reds held on to secure a sixth straight victory, along the way to what would be a third successive title.
Eastlands, 13 February 2005, 2-0 (Rooney, Dunne og)
Wayne Rooney’s impressive debut season continued as he stole the show on United's second visit to Eastlands. The 19 year-old broke the deadlock from Gary Neville's cross on 68 minutes, striking a deflected shot past David James. Seven minutes later, Rooney burst into the box and fired towards goal, only for Richard Dunne to intervene and steer it past his own keeper. Despite this fifth win on a spin, later setbacks meant United were unable to seriously challenge for the title, finishing 18 points behind Chelsea.
Eastlands, 5 May 2007, 1-0 (Ronaldo)
Days after bowing out of the Champions League semi final to eventual winners Milan, United had to galvanise for a crucial league game. Sir Alex's men duly responded, taking the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty just before half time. Nerves were jangling as the match wore on and the Reds nearly surrendered the points 10 minutes from time when Wes Brown fouled Michael Ball, who earlier escaped a red card when referee Rob Styles missed his stamp on Ronaldo. Darius Vassell stepped up to the spot but to our great relief, Edwin van der Sar saved his kick and 24 hours later United were confirmed as champions.
Eastlands, 30 November 2008, 1-0 (Rooney)
Penalty-scoring hero in the previous win at Eastlands, Ronaldo became the villain when he received a second yellow for a blatant handball. Fortunately this did not derail the Reds too much as a dominant display delivered a win, thanks to Rooney hammering in his 100th United goal just before the break.