Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both scored outstanding goals in the Manchester derby at the Etihad, but where do they rank amongst the best Manchester derby goals?
Rashford, who’s leading the line in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, got the Manchester derby at the Etihad off to a flyer. The England man walked onto a lovely lay off by Bruno Fernandes and smashed the ball into the net from 25 yards out.
Rashford’s goal has been met with the applause a goal of that quality deserves, with some suggesting it’s a contender for goal of the season.
Marcus Rashford that is SENSATIONAL! 🔥🤯 pic.twitter.com/FW6jYbGdhe
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024
Not to be outdone by his opposite number, Foden scored a goal of equal quality in the second half. Manchester City seemed to struggle to break Manchester United down, and it took something special from Foden to level the score.
Cutting in from the right, Foden got himself an extra yard and curled the ball into the top corner.
“That is one derby diamond!” 💎
Phil Foden with a ROCKET! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/EftQ3w7MUC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024
With Rashford and Foden delivering goals of sublime quality, we at SportsLens have looked at where the goals rank amongst the best Manchester derby goals in the Premier League.
5. Marcus Rashford, 2023/24
Rashford’s strike starts off our list of the best Manchester derby goals. The way he walks straight onto the pass and smashes the ball home from a distance makes it difficult to not pick this goal for the list.
For a player who has had a tricky couple of seasons, he showed real confidence to take the effort on first time. The goal shows that there’s still a quality goalscorer inside him, he just needs to unleash it.
4. Shaun Wright-Phillips, 2003/04
Taking the number four spot on our list of the best Manchester derby goals is Shaun Wright-Phillips. Wright-Phillips played 153 times for Manchester City, scoring 26 goals, and this one is surely one of his favourites.
Wright-Phillip’s goal was the City’s fourth in a 4-1 win against their bitter rivals. He won the ball back and played a one-two with a teammate, which left him with clear grass to run into. After faking to go inside, Wright-Phillips hit the ball over the goalkeeper’s head from a difficult angle.
3. David Beckham, 2000/01
One of the greatest free-kick takers to grace the game, David Beckham, scored a spectacular free kick in a Manchester derby in the 2000/01 season.
Beckham was some 30 yards away from the goal, with the ball positioned centrally. It was a position not many would dream about shooting from, but Beckham showed his quality from a dead ball.
The effort was so unexpected it caught out Manchester City goalkeeper, Nicky Weaver, who saw the ball go over his head into the far corner. It was just another amazing free-kick to add to his collection.
2. Craig Bellamy, 2009/10
In a game with two amazing goals, both for different reasons, we’ve given Craig Bellamy’s rocket the number two spot on our list of the best Manchester derby goals.
The Welshmen’s goal was a similar style to that scored by Foden. He picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and found the far corner.
The game itself went the way of Manchester United, thanks to a last-minute winner by Michael Owen. It’s a game that’s recognised as a classic encounter between the two sides.
1. Wayne Rooney, 2010/11
Picking the number one spot for best Manchester derby goals was an easy choice. Wayne Rooney’s acrobatic bicycle kick in the 2010/11 season is not just one of the best goals in the Manchester derby, but in the Premier League altogether.
Rooney adjusted his body to meet the ball behind him and scored a remarkable bicycle kick. The ball appeared to hit his shin, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of his goal.
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