Manchester United made it six consecutive victories in the Premier League on Sunday with a comfortable 4-2 win at home to local rivals Manchester City.
The visitors took an early lead through Sergio Aguero, but goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling saw United seize control of the encounter.
City pulled one back through Aguero late on, though it was not enough to stop them suffering a severe blow to their title defence.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how all of the action unfolded at Old Trafford.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the 169th Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The Premier League title may just about be out of reach for these two arch rivals, although that has not taken the edge off what should be a hugely entertaining affair.
While the two teams appear to be heading in opposite directions in the Premier League table - four wins in a row for United; five defeats in seven for City - there remains just the solitary point between them as we enter the final stretch of the campaign.
The Manchester duo have shared each of the last four Premier League crowns, remember, which goes some way to highlighting their dominance in recent times, although that is almost certainly set to come to an end this May with Chelsea seemingly cruising to the title. A top-four spot looks far more secure right now for United than it does City, which is pretty remarkable when you look at where the two sides were just a few months ago.
In fact, the Red Devils usurped their great rivals for the first time in some 500 days last weekend with results going their way. Whisper it quietly, but could the temporary shift of power which has seen City become the more dominant force over the past few seasons be about to swing once more? This afternoon's meeting will go a long way to deciding that, with United very much in the driving seat right now.
Cast your minds back just 12 months ago, and things could't have been much different. City were on their way to a second title in three seasons, while United were badly struggling under the tenure of David Moyes. Of course, there has been much change in the red half of Manchester since then, Louis van Gaal coming in last summer to replace the former Everton man, and while things began somewhat slowly, he has well and truly made an impact over the past month or so.
It is not too hard to pinpoint the match in which supporters finally began to truly buy in to what they were seeing under the Dutchman. Last month's 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which on reflection probably should have been a far greater scoreline with all the damage done inside the opening 45 minutes, has proved to be a standout moment in United's season. Since then they have also edged past Liverpool and Aston Villa to maintain this impressive run of form.
It means that Van Gaal's men come into this game on the back of four-successive wins in the league, while if you look a little further back that run stands at an impressive two defeats in 21 outings. Losing to City earlier this season clearly hurt the Red Devils, but they have not looked back since then, using that reverse to push them up the table into their current position of third place.
Kickoff is fast approaching at Old Trafford, with the team news due in around 45 minutes' time:
So while United have turned their fortunes around for the good, it is fair to say that things have not been quite so impressive for the Citizens since the turn of the year. Joint-top of the table in January to fourth place and hanging on to a Champions League qualification berth by April - Manuel Pellegrini's side are seeing their season spiral out of control at this moment in time.
Pellegrini has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks due to the lack of success on all four fronts this term, having seen his side miss out on the League Cup, crash out of the FA Cup, exit the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona and slip well off the pace in the Premier League. It looks likely that the Chilean will remain in place for another season at least due to a perceived lack of options elsewhere (Pep Guardiola is happy at Bayern Munich, basically), meaning that he must now start preparing for next season.
Just five wins in their last seven games is simply not good enough for a side that really should be mounting title chases on a consistent basis. An ageing squad which now looks motivation is to blame, according to many, and this really could be City's biggest summer since they first emerged as a force under their Middle-East backers. That task will be made all the more difficult should they miss out on a place in the top four, with defeat this afternoon seriously calling that target into question.
While their rivals have improved drastically on last season, reaching something close to the levels of consistency enjoyed under former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, City have gone backwards by picking up nine points fewer this season than they had at the same stage 12 months ago. Throw the lack of cup success into the mix, combined with yet another season of European woe, and it is clear to see why the mood is some glum at the Etihad at this moment in time.
DID YOU KNOW? Manchester United have claimed more home points (40) this season than any other side in the Premier League. City, meanwhile, have lost their last three away games - including that surprise 2-0 reverse at Crystal Palace last time out - to fall well off the pace. The last time they lost four on the bounce on their travels was way back in 2006.
The teams are due to be announced in around 30 minutes' time, and it will be interesting to see how both managers set their sides out this afternoon. Pellegrini has come under fire for his choice of 4-4-2 in the big games this term, seeing his charges carved open all too easily in successive games against Barcelona and Liverpool earlier this year at a time when things first started to go awry.
It is argued that the formation fails to utilise the strengths of certain attacking talents, while Yaya Toure is often caught out high up the field which proves costly more times than not. United, on the other hand, while likely go with a 4-3-3/ 4-5-1 hybrid, with Marouane Fellaini the key man in that set-up should he be selected.
We have seen a slow transition of this Manchester United side in recent times, which is looking far more like an Alex Ferguson outfit by each passing week. Ashley Young is tasked with getting crosses into the box - and a lot of them. In fact, the Red Devils top the charts when it comes to crossing this season. On the other flank, Spanish duo Ander Herrera and Juan Mata have formed a solid partnership which has come to life over the past few weeks in particular.
Yet it is at the opposite ends of the field, between the sticks and up front, where today's match is likely to be won and lost. Joe Hart is perhaps the only City player who can reflect on his form since January with his head truly held high, thanks in large to that hugely impressive showing against Barcelona, while his opposite number David de Gea is a strong contender for the player of the year award.
Strikers Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney have been experiencing some contrasting form over the past couple of months, meanwhile - Rooney making the most of being fielded in his favoured centre-forward role to close in on Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record with each passing game, while Aguero has stalled somewhat since returning from injury.
If there is one thing we have learned about Aguero during his time in the Premier League, though, it is that he so often ends barren spells by bagging a handful in a short period. Case in point being earlier this season, for example, when he scored four goals in three games on the back of five games without finding the net.
The setting for this weekend's main event in the Premier League:
Well there is still plenty to get through between now and kickoff at 4pm, but if you want to swat up on your knowledge a little further before the match gets underway then there's plenty of material to do so elsewhere on Sports Mole.
- Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Three major talking points
One man who has barely been mentioned in the build-up to this afternoon's meeting is a certain Angel di Maria. He arrived at Old Trafford under much hype, having set United back a British-record fee during last year's summer transfer window. It is fair to say that the Argentina international has not quite lived up to the expectation, but the stats show that it is not all that bad for the former Real Madrid man, who has 10 assists to his name this campaign.
Only Cesc Fabregas has claimed more assists than Di Maria this season which, combined with the midfielder's three goals, goes some way to suggesting that he could very well push on and reach the heights expected of him at Old Trafford. He is likely to miss out once more this afternoon, but he's certainly not a bad option to bring off the bench should a goal be required at some stage.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS: City are going in search of a fifth-successive victory over their arch-rivals this afternoon, having dominated this fixture in recent meetings. Should they rack up that fifth win at Old Trafford, then it will be the first time they have done so against the Red Devils. In fact, no side has ever won that many games in succession against United, so Premier League history could be made here today.
The importance of three points this afternoon for the Sky Blues cannot be played down, because with time fast running out this season Pellegrini is seemingly loosing the faith of supporters with each passing week. Failing to win any silverware and mounting a serious challenge to retain their league crown is one thing, but to be left looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack for a top-four spot really takes things to the extreme.
REFEREE WATCH: The man tasked with keeping things in order this afternoon is experienced official Mark Clattenburg. The County Durham whistler has officiated 37 games this campaign at both club and international level combined, reaching into his pocked a combined 149 times. He has been forced into showing a red of four occasions, including twice in games involving the Red Devils this term.
Clattenburg showed a red card to youngster Tyler Blackett in United's 5-3 defeat at Leicester City in September in a game marking arguably the Red Devils's lowest point this campaign. Luke Shaw was the other player dismissed by the man in the middle, so perhaps home supporters have reason to be fearful this afternoon.
Right, the team news has now reached us, so let's take a look at how these two sides line up for this massive clash...
TEAM NEWS!
MANCHESTER UNITED STARTING XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Mata, Young, Rooney
MANCHESTER CITY STARTING XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure, Navas, Milner, Silva, Aguero
Starting with the home side, then, and Louis van Gaal has opted to make just the one change to his side. Chris Smalling returns in place of Marcos Rojo at the back, having overcome an illness scare which made him a doubt earlier this week.
As expected, Luke Shaw misses out once again due to an ongoing injury problem, while Jonny Evans continues to sit out his hefty suspension as a result of spitting at Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse earlier this year. Meanwhile, Andreas Pereira is unavailable for selection, having been called-up to the Brazil Under-20s squad. He made his debut in that aforementioned meeting with Spurs last month, but he will have to wait to make another impact.
So it Daley Blind appears to be playing in a full-back position once again, meaning that Michael Carrick is tasked with sitting deep in midfield. Ander Herrera and Juan Mata will be looking to continue their steady partnership by linking up in wide positions, with Ashley Young fielded on the opposite side.
It goes by little surprise to see Wayne Rooney tasked with leading the line at Old Trafford, as he goes in search of the goal needed to join Red Devils legend Denis Law on 171 goals for the club. Memories of that goal against the Citizens a few years back will live long in the memory, as this classic encounter is played out for a 152nd time in the league.
In terms of the visitors, well they have brought in Pablo Zabaleta and James Milner in place of Bakary Sagna and Edin Dzeko, the former of which misses out on the squad entirely this afternoon.
Vincent Kompany, who revealed this weekend that he actually turned down an approach from today's opponents as a youngster, has overcome an injury knock to captain City at the Theatre of Dreams. Wilfried Bony is not included, however, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
So Milner has been brought into the starting lineup, then, which makes sense on the face of it. He is a player who knows how to track back, which will be vital against a side who build attacks down the flank under Van Gaal. David Silva will play just off Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho making up what is essentially a five-man midfield.
BENCH WATCH!
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Valdes, Rafael, Rojo, McNair, Januzaj, Di Maria, Falcao
MANCHESTER CITY SUBS: Caballero, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernando, Nasri, Lampard, Dzeko
Victor Valdes is made to wait a little while longer for his first Premier League appearance, having been named among the United subs once again. The other standout name among the backups is that of Angel di Maria, who has played second fiddle for the past few weeks now since his sending off against Arsenal. He will be keen to make an impression should he be called upon at any stage, and with 10 assists to his name this term, he is certainly not a bad option to have among your squad.
City have the attacking options of Samir Nasri and Dzeko, both of whom have tasted plenty of success in this fixture during their time with the Etihad club, while there is also a place among the 18-man squad for a certain Frank Lampard. The curtain will come down on his career in English football this time next month, but he is still going strong and could play a part at Old Trafford today.
There is still time to check out the views of the Sports Mole Sofa team prior to kickoff, as they give their prediction ahead of this afternoon's Manchester derby clash:
UPDATE: The Premier League's early kickoff has just concluded at Loftus Road, and it is bad news for both City and United. Had Chelsea slipped up against rivals Queens Park Rangers there may have been an outside title chance for the winners here today, but Cesc Fabregas found the only goal of the game two minutes from time to seal victory for Chelsea.
So the teams have been announced, the stadium is beginning to fill up, and kickoff is now just 30 minutes away. It's time to hand things over to Jack Prescott, who will take you through proceedings at the Theatre of Dreams on what should be a hugely entertaining afternoon of football.
Hello there! What a game this promises to be. Chelsea may have secured a vital win over QPR, but there's still plenty to play for when it comes to these two Manchester sides. The top-four race is far from over, and both teams will be eager to give their Champions League qualification hopes a huge boost with three points this afternoon.
Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini: Football has so many different things that can happen, but in my mind for my whole career is to try and win the next game you play. All the other things I don't think are very important. It's a very important game. It's a derby and we're very near in the table, but I don't think that the team that wins can think the season's finished. You have six games more to play and win."
Manchester United defender Phil Jones: "A lot of people wrote us off. We knew the capabilities and qualities in the dressing room. It's a big game at the weekend, we've got to go out and win the game. Every player is well aware of the philosophy of the manager and the way he wants his teams to play. I think that's why we've been hitting such good form lately. Every player now understands their role in the team. It's more stable.
"Players know what they're doing, day in, day out. Players like routines. They like to know what they're doing in the week and in training. You can tell by the performances of late that the players are happy and enjoying it. There's a real buzz around the training ground."
If you're interested in reading our match report of Chelsea's win at QPR then it's right here. Just make sure you come back.
One thing that the Manchester derby has given us in recent years is goals. While this season's reverse fixture was decided by a single Sergio Aguero strike, the ball has hit the back of the net 17 times in the last five encounters between these rivals. Let's hope for more of the same this afternoon.
Just over 10 minutes to go until kickoff at Old Trafford and the stadium is filling up nicely. As you might imagine, there are plenty of City fans in attendance and they are already making themselves known in their corner of the ground. It should be a lively atmosphere over the course of the next 90 minutes.
One big question from a Man City perspective is whether captain Vincent Kompany is fully fit. The Belgian has recovered from a hamstring problem, but he will need to be bang at it to contain this Man Utd attack.
The teams are starting to emerge in the tunnel at Old Trafford and there are plenty of intense-looking faces among the players. Kompany will lead the visitors out, while Wayne Rooney, who loves a goal against the Blues, will skipper the hosts.
Here come the players, and what a reception they receive from those in attendance at the Theatre of Dreams! Explosive stuff.
KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match rituals have been done, and it will be visitors City to get this 169th Manchester derby underway in the rain. Here we go!
It's been a lively start to the game, with Man Utd edging it in terms of possession. The hosts create half a chance as the ball almost runs through to Rooney following a scramble on the edge of the City box, but Hart is quick off his line to collect.
SAVE! What a chance for City to take the lead! Navas breaks the offside trap to run clean through on goal, but his low effort on the angle is kept out by the feet of De Gea. That should be a warning side to the hosts, who have been the better side so far.
GOAL! MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY (AGUERO)
United don't heed the warning of that earlier Navas chance as City take the lead through Sergio Aguero! Silva is played in by Milner down the left, getting to the byline before crossing for the Argentine to tap in. The hosts were all over the shop there in terms of their defence.
The hosts are trying to straighten themselves out after that early Aguero strike. They started the game well, but it's been all City in the last few minutes. Manuel Pellegrini is sure to be pleased by how his players have equipped themselves so far.
United are finding it hard to keep hold of the ball at the moment. The wet conditions aren't helping them, but their passing needs to be better. They're gifting possession to City far too frequently, putting themselves on the back foot unnecessarily.
GOAL! MAN UTD 1-1 MAN CITY (YOUNG)
City's equaliser is cancelled out as Ashley Young gets United level from close range! The winger meets a cross from the left before seeing his initial effort blocked, but he remains alert and hooks the rebound into the net with a clever finish. Game on!
It was looking ominous for the hosts following that early goal from City, but Old Trafford is rocking now. The Red Devils are suddenly on the front foot again, forcing the away side back into the own half. This game has had a fascinating ebb and flow so far.
There have been plenty of robust tackles during the opening stages of this match, but referee Mark Clattenburg has done a decent job of trying to allow the action to flow. United are continuing to see more of the ball, though City are looking dangerous on the break with the likes of Silva and Aguero providing the pace.
YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the game sees Milner cautioned for a cynical pull at the shirt of Herrera. No complaints there.
The two goals aside, there hasn't been a huge amount of genuine chances in front of goal so far. City's approach play has been better, while United have adopted a more dynamic style. Still, this match remains on a knife-edge.
GOAL! MAN UTD 2-1 MAN CITY (FELLAINI)
United have turned it around thanks to a trademark header from Marouane Fellaini! Blind and Young link on the left before the latter whips a superb cross to the back post, allowing Fellaini to rise above Clichy and nod past Hart. There are questions over whether the Belgian was offside, but it would have been harsh to rule it out.
City haven't let that Fellaini goal affect them too much. Their passing remains better than United's, while they are refusing to sit back and limit the damage. They certainly feel as if there are more goals in this game for them.
CHANCE! City almost get the opportunity to make it 2-2 as Toure threads a wonderful ball through to Aguero, but De Gea is quick off his line to block the Argentine's shot. Play then goes up the other end of the pitch before Silva is booked for hacking down Mata. It's all action at the moment!
Louis van Gaal will be delighted with the tempo that his players are showing right now. They're chasing City down and not letting their opponents have any time on the ball. When United win possession, they're straight up the other end looking to add to their tally. Cavalier stuff from the Red Devils, keeping in tune with their resurgence in recent weeks.
WHOOSH! Not the best effort that Milner will ever have. The ball is shifted out to the left before the England international curls a woeful drive high and wide.
City are struggling to match United for intensity as we head towards half time. Toure and Fernandino are finding it hard to have an impact on the game as most of the play is happening out wide. The champions will probably be happy for the half-time whistle to come sooner rather than later.
Wonderful defending from Valencia to halt Aguero in his tracks. The striker is set free down the right and has Milner in the middle, but Valencia doesn't allow him to square it and jockeys the ball out of play for a goal kick.
YELLOW CARD! City captain Kompany goes into the book for a reckless challenge on Blind. Mark Clattenburg had to consult his linesman on that one before brandishing the yellow. We've seen red cards for those kind of tackles this season.
There will be at least TWO MINUTES of added time...
HALF TIME: MAN UTD 2-1 MAN CITY
Mark Clattenburg blows the half-time whistle, bringing the curtain down on an entertaining opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford. City took the lead through Aguero, but United fought back with goals from Young and Fellaini. The visitors have played some great football at times, though they dropped off dramatically as the half wore on. Meanwhile, the hosts will be pleased to have come behind. They started slowly before really controlling the game come the end of that half.
United fans were probably rolling their eyes when Aguero made it 1-0, but their side have responded brilliantly. The Red Devils have played with the kind of attacking intensity that they have rediscovered in recent weeks, making it very difficult for City to contain them.
Manuel Pellegrini could well be telling his players that they need to show more dedication in key areas, particularly midfield. The likes of Milner and Silva haven't done a great job in tracking back, which has allowed United to surge forward in numbers. That said, the champions are still very much in this game. They've looked good on the break and have defended doggedly at times.
UPDATE! A reminder that today's early kickoff in the Premier League saw leaders Chelsea tighten their grip on the title with a late win at QPR. The game looked to be heading for a draw before Cesc Fabregas found the net three minutes from time. You can find our match report here.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out for the second half and it will be United to kick us off. The hosts haven't made any changes at the break, but City have. Kompany has been withdrawn with what is believed to be a thigh problem. Eliaquim Mangala is on in his place.
It's been a high-tempo start to the second half, with both sides pushing forward whenever they can. City have half a chance when the ball breaks to Aguero in the box, but the United defender gather round him quickly and snuff out the danger.
CHANCES! How have United not made it 3-1?! First, Rooney forces a fine save from Hart with a curling free kick from 25 yards. The ball then bounces around the box before Carrick's low drive is kept out by the City keeper. That was a manic passage of play.
Demichelis does himself no favours by going down holding his face following an aerial challenge by Fellaini, before hopping up to his feet almost instantly when the whistle goes to indicate a free kick.
United just look as if they want it more at the moment. They're hungrier in the challenge, while their attacking play remains more dynamic than their opponents'. However, there's still only one goal in it. The more City keep United at arm's length, the more they will fancy their chances of taking something from this game.
City are really dicing with danger here. They're giving the hosts far too much time and space all across the pitch. The Red Devils threaten once again as Young meets a cross, but his header is a poor one that Hart easily collects. It wouldn't have counted anyway because he was offside.
MAN CITY SUB: The visitors make their second change of the game as Samir Nasri replaces Milner, who goes off limping following a challenge on him in the United half.
GOAL! MAN UTD 3-1 MAN CITY (MATA)
United take a step closer to winning this game as Juan Mata provides the finish following a superb team move. The ball is moved around crisply down the left before Rooney plays the Spaniard in. Mata keeps his composure to make a run towards goal before slotting the ball through Hart's legs.
Do the champions have what it takes to come back from this? They've been second best for much of the afternoon, but a goal in the next 10 minutes or so would change the mood of this game completely. That's if they can stop United from getting a fourth. The hosts continue to push forward, their intensity too much for the away side.
GOAL! MAN UTD 4-1 MAN CITY (SMALLING)
United are running riot! Chris Smalling makes it 4-1, but it's poor defending from City. Young's free kick is whipped in from the left before Smalling nods in past Hart. However, that goal could easily have been averted had Mangala not played United's frontline onside. The substitute was in a terrible position there. City shake things up quickly as Lampard replaces Navas.
MAN UTD SUB: The hosts make a change now as Jones is replaced by Marcos Rojo.
United are playing with such confidence at the moment. What a difference from the start of the season. The Red Devils have certainly got their swagger back. The worrying thing for City is that there's just over 10 minutes remaining...
MAN UTD SUB: Louis van Gaal switches things up again now as Mata is replaced by Angel di Maria. Can the Argentine compound City's misery?
MAN UTD SUB: A final change for the hosts sees Fellaini come off for Radamel Falcao. The Belgian receives a huge ovation as he goes off. He's been very impressive today.
It's all so easy for United at the moment. City are offering next to nothing in an attacking sense. They're not doing a great job at the back either. The hosts are still being afforded so much space in the final third, it seems like a matter of time before they add to their tally.
GOAL! MAN UTD 4-2 MAN CITY (AGUERO)
City pull one back through Aguero, who makes it 100 goals for the club. It's a simple one in terms of the build-up as Zabaleta gets down the right before crossing for his fellow Argentine to tap in from close range. Not great defending from United there.
There will be at least THREE MINUTES of added time...
United carve out a half chance as Di Maria tries to find the bottom from the edge of the box, but Hart gets down to make the save.
FULL TIME: MAN UTD 4-2 MAN CITY
The full-time whistle goes and Manchester United have their sixth consecutive victory in the Premier League thanks to a comfortable 4-2 win over their rivals Manchester City. The result looked in doubt early on, but a superb performance from the hosts saw them coast it in the end. Meanwhile, City's title defence is surely over after that. The Blues are now battling to secure a top-four finish.
That's all from our live text coverage of today's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both teams right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!
