It’s been almost 22 years since Gary Neville was sent off in a Manchester derby after clashing with Steve McManaman in an FA Cup fifth-round tie.
When Manchester United and Man City contest in the 198th Manchester derby, it will be the first time Michael Carrick will experience the rivalry as head coach.
It may be the only Manchester derby in Carrick’s coaching career, but that will depend on how he performs in the role over the next four months.
7 Managers, 1 Win…. Ruben Amorim broke the streak – can Michael Carrick make it two manager derby debut victories in a row?
Which Manchester derby was the most memorable for you, good or bad?
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The rivalry has evolved in recent years. It may be less fierce, but it is always important to those who are Red or blue.
In the past, sparks would fly.
From Roy Keane’s brutal challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001 to Carlos Tevez signing for City after leaving United, this is a derby that has had everything.
Gary Neville headbutts Steve McManaman
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Gary Neville sent off for headbutting Steve McManaman
In February 2004, Gary Neville received a red card for headbutting Steve McManaman in an FA Cup fifth-round tie after the pair squared up following a collision in the penalty area.
Neville was taken down inside the box, but the referee let the play continue. It was a decision that annoyed Sir Alex Ferguson at the time because the former United manager felt the official should have halted play as soon as he thought Neville dived.
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Neville was shown a yellow card for diving and then a red for clashing with McManaman.
In a column for The Game, as per Sky Sports, Neville admitted he made a mistake but made it clear he was not in any way apologetic towards McManaman, who already had a reputation from his time at Liverpool.
Neville revealed that his only regret was getting suspended.
“I made a mistake on Saturday but I am not going to beat myself up about it,” Neville wrote.
“I am annoyed with myself because I will be suspended for some important matches but that is the only reason to regret what happened with Steve McManaman. It was out of character and I am confident that it was a one-off.
“Firstly, I was 100 percent convinced at the time that I deserved a penalty.
“Now that I have seen the replays, I can understand why the referee did not give it but the defender caught my shins and missed the ball completely.
“When I got up, three City players were rushing towards me. I pushed them out of the way but McManaman brushed his head against mine.
“When he came towards me again, I pushed my head forward in expectation of him doing the same. I have no problems with the referee’s decision because it looks like a headbutt.”
Ahead of the derby, which Manchester City player of ALL TIME have you taken the biggest personal dislike to?
Go back as far as you want…!
Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025
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United won the game 4-2, despite being down to 10 men for over an hour. Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes got on the scoresheet, while Ruud van Nistelrooy completed a brace.
Gary Neville record against Man City
Neville played in 13 Manchester derbies for United at senior level.
The former club captain was on the winning side eight times, drawing three and losing twice.
Although Neville never scored against City, he did register two assists.
Neville was often targeted with hateful chants from the City fans, but he knew how to wind them up.
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