Man City vs Man Utd - 5 Greatest Manchester Derbies

4. Saturday 6th November 1971: Manchester City 3-3 Manchester United

42 years ago, the Manchester Derby meant just as much to the league as it does now. Before this enthralling draw in 1971 Manchester United sat 1st in the Premier League table with Manchester City just a couple of places below them in 3rd. Whilst this was an exciting draw, it also saw Francis Lee launch himself to the floor in a protest against the diving of George Best. Over 63000 fans packed into Maine Road to watch this thriller and they were not let down. United were first out the blocks in this derby, Sammy McIlroy opened the scoring after 39 minutes following the obstruction of Best by Tony Book. Soon after Brian Kidd doubled their lead after just 46 minutes. United seemed to be in control. City were offered a lifeline however in the 57th minute, Franny Lee was hauled down by Tommy O'Neill in the penalty area and the ref pointed straight to the spot. It was Lee who stepped up to take the penalty and he reduced the deficit for City. It took just 7 more minutes for City to draw level, the equaliser coming through City legend Colin Bell. The momentum was in City's favour but it was United who retook the lead immediately after the equaliser as John Aston's speculative shot deflected in off Alan Gowling. With less than 5 minutes to go, United seemed to have all but won the game but Mike Summerbee was afforded a reward for pulling the save of the afternoon out of Alex Stepney with the equaliser 3 minutes from time. Put quite simply, this was one of the most exciting Derby Games ever.