FULL LIST: Top 10 scorers in Manchester derby history - Punch Newspapers
The first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 season delivered drama and debate as Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game to give Manchester City a narrow victory at Old Trafford. Enzo Maresca took charge of City in a Manchester derby for the first time, while Michael Carrick oversaw his second as United manager after beating the Blues last season. The match was tightly contested until Haaland struck the decisive blow. Replays suggested the goal may have been offside, but the decision stood, handing City the three points and moving the Norwegian a step closer to history. Haaland’s ninth derby goal, all scored in the Premier League, lifts him into joint-fourth on the all-time Manchester derby scoring chart, level with Sergio Agüero and Bobby Charlton. It was his first goal at Old Trafford in this fixture since 2023. Here is the full top 10 goalscorers in Manchester derby history according to Planet Football on Sunday 1. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) – 11 goals in 31 games Rooney leads the way with eight league goals, two in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Cup. His most famous contribution remains the spectacular bicycle kick in 2011. 2. Joe Hayes (Manchester City) – 10 goals in 17 games Hayes scored more against United than any other opponent. Nine of his goals came in the league, including a brace in City’s 5-0 win at Old Trafford in 1955. 3. Francis Lee (Manchester City) – 10 goals in 19 games After a slow start (goalless in his first five derbies), Lee scored in five consecutive meetings. His standout performance was a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford in 1970. How Olise was rejected by Arsenal, Chelsea before Bayern stardom – Reports Haaland fires 10-man Man City to memorable win over Man Utd EPL: Awoniyi sent off as Brighton thrash Coventry 5-0 4. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 9 goals in 11 games The Norwegian continues his rapid ascent. All nine goals have come in the league. His latest strike, though shrouded in offside controversy, confirms his place among the fixture’s elite. 5. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City) – 9 goals in 16 games Agüero scored in his first derby in 2011 during City’s 6-1 thrashing of United and went on a run of seven goals in seven games. He later slowed, managing just one in his final six appearances against the Reds. 6. Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) – 9 goals in 27 games Charlton scored only three in his first 17 derbies but added six more in his final 10, including a brace at Old Trafford in 1960. His overall record against City was perfectly balanced: nine wins, nine draws and nine defeats. 7. Colin Bell (Manchester City) – 8 goals in 21 games The City legend was never the most prolific derby scorer, but his longevity allowed him to accumulate eight goals, including braces on two occasions. 8. Eric Cantona (Manchester United) – 8 goals in 6 games Cantona scored in five of his six derbies and found the net against City more often than against any other side. He registered at least one goal in every meeting after his first. 9. Brian Kidd – 8 goals in 13 games The only player in the top 10 to score for both clubs, Kidd netted five for United and three for City. 10. Joe Spence (Manchester United) – 8 goals in 14 games A post-First World War star, Spence spent 14 years at United, making 510 appearances and leaving as the club’s record scorer and appearance holder at the time. Eight of those goals came against City before he departed for Bradford in 1933. Haaland’s efficiency stands out on a list dominated by players who needed many more appearances to reach similar totals. With the Norwegian still in his prime, the race to catch Rooney at the top of the Manchester derby scoring charts remains very much alive. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
