Five Memorable Manchester Derbies

As table-toppers Manchester United travel to the Eithad Stadium to take on Manchester City, it will be much more than winning the game.

The Red Devils are looking look to avenge the humiliating 1-6 defeat at Old Trafford last season and, perhaps, that's why Sir Alex Ferguson termed the encounter "most important match".

But as the Scot looks to build on his three-point lead, he knows the task on hand is not easy.

"If we win it will be one of our best ever results. They are a really good, powerful team with massive players. It won't be easy and if we defend like we did at Reading, we'll be in trouble.

"The important thing for us is to take lessons from the mistakes we're making and do something about it. We need to find a solution," he said about the defending champions on the even of Sunday's match.

Ahead of the all-important clash, Rediff.com looks at five memorable derbies between the fierce rivals.

Manchester United 1 Manchester City 6 (October 23, 2011)

It's one of those nightmares that refuse to die, especially if you are a Manchester United fan.

Manchester City were romping through their opponents and looking good for the title. But many felt the real test for Roberto Mancini would be against the Red Devils.

Came the test, and they delivered.

Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko scored a brace each, while David Silva and Sergio Aguero completed the six-goal humiliation as City went five points clear at the top of the table.

To make the matters worse, United were left with just 10 men on the pitch after Johnny Evans was sent off in the first-half.

Manchester United 4 Manchester City 3 (September 9, 2009)

This was one match where luck was with the home team. An injury time winner from Michael Owen left bad taste in Manchester City fans and then manager Mark Hughes.

United had their noses in front thrice, courtesy goals from Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher.

Gareth Barry pulled one back for the visitors and a brace from Craig Belemany made it 3-3 going into the injury time.

However, in the 96th minute, Owen latched on to Ryan Giggs's pass and scored the winner, much to delight of United's fans.

Manchester United 2 Manchester City 1 (February 12, 2011)

Another classic. Wayne Rooney surprised one and all to score, arguably, one of the most famous goals that season.

Locked at 1-1, thanks to goals from Nani and David Silva on either side of the halves, Rooney latched on to a pinpoint cross from Nani and, with a bicycle kick, scored what turned out to be the match-winner.

The goal was voted the best of the EPL in 20 years.

Manchester City 5 Manchester United 1 (September 23, 1989)

Yes, you are reading it right.

Long before the 6-1 mauling, Manchester City had thumped their rivals in their very own backyard. It was Sir Alex's most embarrassing defeat until the last season.

Goals from David Oldfield, Trevor Morley, Ian Bishop, Andy Hinchcliffe and Mark Hughes gave City a thumping victory and bragging rights.

Manchester United 1 Manchester City 1 ( April 21, 2001)

It was battle between two of the best footballers that time, but the story got a personal twist in the derby.

Alfe-inge Haaland had injured Roy Keane during his Leeds United days. The United midfielder got his chance for vengeance when they met on April 21, 2011. In an utterly disgusting tackle, Keane went studs up into Haaland's right knee.

Keane, who was later fined ��,000 for his actions.