Our visit to Old Trafford in late October 2011 brought together two of the 2011-12 Premier League’s early pacesetters.
Reigning champions United were seeking to extend their domestic dominance while a resurgent City stepped out intent on claiming a statement victory at the home of our biggest rivals.
Something had to give at Old Trafford, and what ensued was one of City’s most clinical and memorial Derby performances of this or an any era.
The hosts were swept aside by Roberto Mancini’s side, who went in a goal to the good at the break courtesy of Mario Balotelli’s incisive low finish and iconic ‘Why Always Me?’ celebration.
United’s travails worsened when Jonny Evans was given his marching orders for a professional foul on the Italian as he looked to double his tally.
City ruthlessly seized the initiative, with Balotelli adding a second on the hour before Sergio Aguero tapped home number three ten minutes later.
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Darren Fletcher pulled one back for United, finding the top corner after playing a neat one-two with Javier Hernandez, but City’s three-goal lead was restored on the verge of stoppage time by Edin Dzeko.
And Mancini’s men weren’t done there, as David Silva calmly slotted home a fifth, before sending Dzeko through on goal with a sumptuous volleyed assist for number six to seal an incredible win.
It’s a performance which is still revered more than a decade on, and is rightfully considered one of the watershed moments in our maiden Premier League title triumph.
Relive one of our most memorable derby wins by watching the highlights above...
