Manchester United vs Manchester City Head to Head
Manchester United Games Won: 78
Manchester City Games Won: 59
Games drawn: 53
Top Scorer: Wayne Rooney, 11 goals
Manchester United and Manchester City, two of the most popular Premier League football clubs located within the same city, have a rivalry that runs deep in the heart of English football. Dating back to the late 19th century, this clash of titans has produced moments of sheer brilliance, heartbreak, and drama.
Today, we’ll go through the historic head-to-head encounters between these two Premier League clubs.
The Early Years (1891-1919)
The rivalry between Manchester United (then known as Newton Heath) and Manchester City (formerly Ardwick) started to take shape in the late 19th century. The very first match between the two clubs took place on October 3, 1891, in an FA Cup match that ended in a 5-1 victory for Ardwick (Manchester City).
Over the next few years, the teams faced each other several times in the Second Division of the Football League. It wasn’t until January 5, 1895, that Newton Heath secured their first win over Manchester City, defeating them 4-1.
The early encounters were characterized by competitive football and a growing sense of rivalry, setting the stage for decades of epic clashes.
Early 20th Century (1920-1949)
The early 20th century brought a series of closely contested matches between the two Manchester clubs. Matches in the 1920s and 1930s showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.
One particularly memorable match was played on January 23, 1926, when Manchester City triumphed over Manchester United with a stunning 6-1 victory. Matches during this period were highly anticipated by fans of both clubs and often played a pivotal role in league standings.
Post-War Years (1950-1969)
The post-war period saw the rivalry continue with intense battles in the league and cup competitions. During the 1950s, Manchester United began to assert themselves as a dominant force.
In February 1955, a remarkable match took place as Manchester City defeated Manchester United 5-0 in a league encounter, showing their strength during that era.
The Sixties (1960-1969)
The 1960s were marked by fiercely contested matches, with both clubs securing crucial victories. Notable encounters during this period include Manchester United’s 3-2 win in September 1961 and Manchester City’s 3-1 victory in March 1968.
However, the 1960s also saw Manchester City secure their first top-flight league title in the 1967-68 season. This achievement added to the intensity of the rivalry, as both clubs aimed to assert their dominance.
The Modern Era (1970-Present)
The rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City, two of the most popular football clubs in the world, has continued to evolve into the modern era. With both teams regularly competing in the Premier League, their encounters have become some of the most anticipated fixtures in English football.
One of the most memorable matches of recent times occurred on April 30, 2012, when Manchester City secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League. This win helped them secure the Premier League title in dramatic fashion, with Sergio Aguero’s injury-time goal etching itself into footballing history.
The 21st century has seen both clubs go through periods of dominance, with Manchester United enjoying success under Sir Alex Ferguson, while Manchester City, the richest Premier League football club, under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour, invested heavily to build a formidable squad.
Recent meetings have been hotly contested, with dramatic score lines and unforgettable moments. Matches in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup have seen both teams claim victories.
Conclusion
The head-to-head history between Manchester United and Manchester City is a testament to the enduring rivalry that defines English football. From the early encounters in the late 19th century to the modern-day clashes in the Premier League, these matches have produced moments of joy and despair for fans of both clubs.
The rivalry continues to captivate football enthusiasts around the world, with every Manchester Derby adding another chapter to this historic saga.
