It was a derby for the ages – and fittingly for the last-ever Maine Road meeting with Manchester United an occasion that every City fan will never forget.
Nineteen years ago today Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were stopped in their tracks by Kevin Keegan’s effervescent, attack-minded City.
And leading the way was Shaun Goater – a former United youngster – who bagged an unforgettable brace including an iconic strike where he dispossessed Gary Neville – to bring up a century of goals for City.
A raucous, rumbustious afternoon had begun with Nicolas Anelka deservedly firing City ahead inside five minutes before Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer – now United manager – almost immediately brought the visitors level.
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Goater then took centre stage as City seized control in thrilling fashion.
With 26 minutes gone, The Goat sent Maine Road into raptures after dispossessing Gary Neville as the United skipper dithered on the edge of the box before cutting inside and drilling a low shot past Fabian Barthez.
And after Anelka had spurned an opportunity to further extend our advantage Goater made no mistake five minutes after the restart.
Phil Neville conceded possession in his own half and Niclas Jensen teed Eyal Berkovic up for a glorious, chipped pass which set Goater up for his 100th City goal.
It was a Derby win for the ages – and a fitting way to round off countless thrilling Maine Road encounters with our Old Trafford rivals.
CITY+ subscribers can enjoy every moment of the derby in full via the video above ...
