Top 10 scorers in Manchester Derby history

The Manchester Derby has been one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The two biggest clubs in Manchester have faced off for decades, igniting some of the most historical clashes in history. Big-name players like Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, and Marcus Rashford headline the Manchester Derby of late. However, the clash has tons of history in it.

Subsequently, the two clubs are set to face off for the first time in the 2023/24 season. Manchester United take on Manchester City at Old Trafford. As the clock ticks down on who will boast bragging rights in Manchester, here’s a look at the players with the highest number of goals in this fixture.

10. Paul Scholes – Manchester United (7 Goals)

Paul Scholes is undoubtedly one of the most successful midfielders in the Premier League. Moreover, he has established himself as one of the greatest English midfielders of all time.

In a career spanning over 17 years and 700 appearances, Scholes scores over 150 goals. Out of the 150, 7 have come in the Manchester derby, placing him as the 10th-highest goalscorer in the fixture.

9. Joe Spence – Manchester United (8 Goals)

A legendary English striker, Joe Spence has over 510 appearances for the Red Devils. His 8 goals against the Cityzens place him in 9th position for the most goals in the derby.

The player served Manchester United for 14 long years. His 481 league appearances for the club place him in the top 10 most appearances for Manchester United. Moreover, he served United in a coaching role, post-retirement.

8. Brian Kidd – Manchester City/United (8 Goals)

Not many footballers have had success on either side of Manchester. Moreover, the rivalry that follows the fixture prevents many footballers from doing so. However, Brian Kidd makes the list of such players.

Furthermore, his commendable 8 goals are shared across either side of Manchester, with 5 goals for the Red Devils and 3 goals for the Cityzens. While his time at Manchester City produced success, the player did win a Champions League at Old Trafford.

7. Eric Cantona – Manchester United (8 Goals)

Eric Cantona is known today for his bizzare speeches and controversial takes on socio-political issues. However, the legendary United midfielder has etched himself in the history of the club. His efforts at United earned him the best player ever, back in 2003.

Cantona was feared for his aggressiveness and command on the pitch. His 8 goals in the Manchester Derby earn him 7th spot among top scorers in the fixture. The player spent 5 years at Old Trafford.

6. Colin Bell – Manchester City (8 Goals)

As one of the best players to don the City jersey, Colin Bell has made a reputation for himself as one of the greats. The Englishman was one of the most prolific goalscoring midfielders for the club.

Moreover, a 13-year spell at City was earmarked with the Bell – Lee – Summerbee trio. The midfielder scored a total of 153 goals for the Cityzens in just over 500 appearances. However, injuries at the later end of his career affected his goal tally as well.

5. Sir Bobby Charlton – Manchester United (9 Goals)

Manchester United boasts a rich pedigree in Europe. The Red Devils have 3 Champions League titles under their belt and credit goes to Late Sir Bobby Charlton for one of the three.

Moreover, the United legend’s outrageous goalscoring tally makes him the second-highest goalscorer for his club, with 249 goals. He is only behind Wayne Rooney on the list. Moreover, his 9 goals in the Manchester derby also made him a fan favorite. He is js regarded by many as one of the greatest players of all time.

4. Sergio Agüero – Manchester City (9 Goals)

The Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero boasts a magnificent goal tally in the Premier League. With 260 goals in 390 appearances, Aguero is the all-time leading goalscorer for the club. Further, his 9 goals in the derby made him a frightful sight for Manchester United defenders.

His historical last-minute winner that earned City their Premier League title in 2011 is one of his best moments. Agüero’s career came to an abrupt end in 2021 when he faced heart issues.

3. Francis Lee – Manchester City (10 Goals)

A Premier League champion with Manchester City, Francis Lee has 148 goals to his name. Moreover, 10 goals in the Manchester Derby make him one of the highest-scoring players in the fixture.

Subsequently, his performances for the club have earned him a title as “one of the club’s all-time greats” as said on the club’s website. He also made a name for himself as a businessman and shareholder of the club.

2. Joe Hayes – Manchester City (10 Goals)

Tied for the second-most goals in the Manchester Derby, Joe Hayes boasts 10 goals to his name. 152 goals for the Cityzens makes him the 5th highest goalscorer for the club.

However, a serious knee injury hampered his potential. Yet, his performances in the 1950s-60’s earned him a spot as one of the club’s best players.

1. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United (11 Goals)

With 11 goals to his name, Wayne Rooney is the undisputed top scorer in the Manchester derby. The former England captain and Manchester United striker has 253 goals to his name. He is the all-time leading goal scorer for Manchester United and has 559 appearances.

His most memorable moment in a United jersey came when his spectacular overhead kick propelled United to victory against rivals. Rooney has won 5 Premier League titles and a Champions League with United.

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