Manchester United v Manchester City: Biggest derby day since Ferguson's retirement

There is much at stake ahead of Man Utd v Man City in the 170th Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

United could overtake City, who need just a draw to return to the top of the table

Manchester United host City in the most significant derby since Sir Alex Ferguson 's retirement at Old Trafford today.

Having twice embarrassed David Moyes' United by an aggregate scoreline of 7-1 in 2013-14, City narrowly defeated Louis van Gaal 's Reds at the Etihad last year before United enjoyed a measure of redemption in the corresponding fixture with a 4-2 success.

And now, for the first time since the tumultuous December 2012 derby Robin van Persie decided, United and City are vying to reach the Premier League summit in a derby fixture.

Four years and two days on from City's astonishing 6-1 destruction of United in M16, they could again extend their advantage over their neighbours to five points with victory.

Arsenal's win over Everton on Saturday has knocked City down to second and a draw at Old Trafford would see them ascend to the league's peak again. United require an audacious four-goal win to overtake Arsenal.

MANCHESTER DERBY

29 PICTURES OF UNITED AND CITY AGGRO

 

MANCHESTER DERBY: FANS' HISTORY

 

UNITED: 5 DERBY THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

 

CITY: 5 DERBY THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

United spent a mere week top of the pile earlier this term and are under pressure to prove their credentials as championship challengers, despite their capitulation at the Emirates three weeks ago.

City and United have both defended respectably so far this term, conceding eight apiece, however City's firepower has overawed Louis van Gaal's conservative Reds.

City and United fans have enjoyed some wonderful derby days

The successive 6-1 and 5-1 thrashings of Newcastle and Bournemouth have bolstered The Blues' goal difference and they are the league's top scorer