Back in 2009, seeing Manchester United fans celebrate a last-minute goal by Michael Owen at Old Trafford seemed unusual.
However, on that day, they cheered joyfully as Owen, a former Liverpool player, scored a late winner against Manchester City in a thrilling derby match.
This game was significant following Manchester City’s acquisition by Sheikh Mansour, leading to substantial investment and the signing of Carlos Tevez.
Tevez became a symbol of the City’s new era, as they began the Premier League season with four straight wins. There was a growing belief that City was shifting the power dynamics in Manchester.
The match started intensely, with Wayne Rooney scoring for Manchester United just two minutes in. City quickly responded when Tevez stole the ball and assisted Gareth Barry for an equalizer.
Tevez, returning to face United after his controversial transfer, had played a vital role in United’s previous Champions League win but found himself out of favor under coach Alex Ferguson.
The second half began with more excitement. Darren Fletcher scored with a header from a perfect cross by Ryan Giggs, but City’s Craig Bellamy quickly equalized with a powerful shot.
Fletcher scored again, heading in from a Giggs free kick with just over ten minutes left. Nevertheless, due to sloppy defending, City managed to bring the score level once more.
Rio Ferdinand’s mistake allowed Bellamy to race down the left and score City’s third equalizer in the 90th minute.
City fans erupted in celebration, seemingly securing a point, but the drama was far from over.
In the sixth minute of injury time, substitute Michael Owen signaled to Ryan Giggs, who spotted him unmarked on the left flank.
WHAT. A. GAME.#OnThisDay in 2009, @themichaelowen scored a late, late winner for @ManUtd against @ManCity ????
Greatest Manchester derby in #PL history? ???? pic.twitter.com/NlTRiUGCMg
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 20, 2019
With a precise pass from Giggs, Owen scored, delighting the United fans who celebrated wildly.
City’s manager Mark Hughes, upset at the extended injury time, expressed his frustration towards the assistant referee after the match.
United clinched the derby victory late in the game, maintaining their dominance in this longstanding rivalry. Despite subsequent games being more pivotal for standings, none have matched the excitement of this encounter.
Iconic Performances – Brilliant Berbatov downs Liverpool at Old Trafford
Midfield Magicians – The underrated metronome Michael Carrick
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