With Louis van Gaal ruling Manchester United forward Robin van Persie out of action for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, the Dutchman is now putting the final preparations on his side as they head into the 169th Manchester derby. The fixture hasn’t just been a tantalising affair for the two sides following the Citizen’s recent financial support and backing though – with the very first meeting between the two sides taking place 133 years ago.
However, the derby didn’t take place between Manchester United and Manchester City. Instead, West Gorton hosted Newton Heath LYR on 12 November 1881, with the visitors leaving after a promising performance and a 3-0 victory. West Gorton would later become known as the blue’s of Manchester City, while Newton Heath adopted the red persona of United – and little did they know a colossal rivalry had been formed between the two clubs which would span for hundreds of years.
The friendly saw the Heathens – whose manager remains unknown to this day – earn the initial bragging rights in the local affair, which has been won 69 wins by the Red Devils, in comparison to a lacklustre 49 successes for Manchester City. Nevertheless, victory on Sunday for Manuel Pellegrini would become a milestone 50th victory, and therefore equalling the number of draws from the historic meetings.
Little is currently known about the first meeting with the Manchester clubs, with no record of goalscorers or line-ups. However, the green and gold of Newton Heath paved the way for years of success, as United became the very first club to possess dominance over their noisy neighbours.
Van Gaal would certainly take a similar performance and scoreline on Sunday, but the manager will also be hoping his team selection and the goalscorers will be remembered in history for many years as the Premier League giants continue to battle it out at the top.
