The last decade has seen a complete power shift in Manchester, with City enjoying more success than their neighbours.
But form goes out the window when the two go head-to-head and the Manchester derby often produces great goals, epic action and plenty of talking points for both Reds and Blues.
So, we’ve taken a look back at some of the classic meetings between two of English football’s most famous clubs and picked out just a few of the most memorable.
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5. United 0-1 City (1974): Denis Devastates Reds
When Denis Law scored a late goal against the club where he made his name in April 1974, the Scot, along with everyone else that day, thought he’d ended Manchester United’s 36-year stay in football’s top flight.
As it happened, it didn’t matter, as the Reds would have been relegated anyway after Birmingham beat Norwich in their final game of the campaign.
But Law’s refusal to celebrate showed just how badly it had affected him at a time when players were all too willing to celebrate goals against their old clubs.
Law was substituted immediately and would never play for City again, while United fans invaded the pitch in an effort to get the match abandoned.
The Football League upheld the result, condemning the Reds to a season in the Second Division.
4. City 3-3 United (1990): McClair at the Double
Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side headed to Maine Road in October 1990 to face a City side that had thumped them 5-1 on their last visit the previous September.
David White’ put City two-up with an early double as United fans began to fear the worst yet again, before Mark Hughes provided the reply to give United hope.
However, Howard Kendall’s men appeared to be home and dry when Colin Hendry scored what looked to be the decisive third goal with 2 minutes on the clock.
When all hope looked lost, Ian Brightwell’s mistake allowed Brian McClair to pull United back into the match, and just two minutes later, McClair grabbed another, flicking home Steve Bruce’s powerful header from a corner to make it 3-3.
3. United 4-3 City (2009): Late Show from Owen
The big spending Blues had splashed over £100 million on new talent over the summer of 2009 and were looking to assert their authority over their far more successful rivals from the other side of the city.
Wayne Rooney scored the opener for the home side only for Gareth Barry to equalise for the visitors.
The Reds were soon back in front again through a brace from Darren Fletcher, only for Craig Bellamy to pull City level with two of his own, including a late strike that looked to have earned his side a point.
But in the sixth minute of injury time with the game level at 3-3, Ryan Giggs’ inch perfect through ball found Michael Owen inside the box, who slotted the ball home to complete a thrilling comeback – much to the disgust of City manager and former United favourite Mark Hughes.
2. United 1-6 City (2011): Noisy Neighbours Stun United
This was United’s worst defeat at Old Trafford for over 50 years, and to make things worse, it came against their bitter rivals.
Playing against 10 men after Jonny Evans had been sent off, Mario Balotelli grabbed a brace inside an hour to put City in command.
Sergio Aguero bagged another to make it 3-0 before Darren Fletcher pegged one back.
But as the home side looked to mount an unlikely comeback, they were hit on the break twice by Edin Dzeko and David Silva to secure a win that would propel the Blues to their first-ever Premier League title.
1. City 2-3 United (2012): United Get Revenge
Denied the league title by City’s incredible late show on the final day of the previous season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Reds looked for some kind of payback when they faced Roberto Mancini’s Blues at the Etihad seven months later.
Wayne Rooney’s early brace put United ahead and they looked certain to bag the three points until City hit back in the second half and pulled level thanks to strikes from Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta.
With the game looking destined for a draw, Robin van Persie’s last minute free-kick deflected past Joe Hart to send United’s fans wild and inflict City’s first defeat in almost two years.
The victory put United six points clear on their way to a 20th league title.
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