Man City vs Man Utd - 5 Greatest Manchester Derbies

3. Saturday 27th April 1974: Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City

Nicknamed quite simply, 'The Denis Law Game', this derby went down in the history books as one of the most iconic Manchester derbies ever. The King of Old Trafford, Denis Law, could not have found himself in a more difficult situation if he had tried. A derby at the club he scored 236 goals for in 11 years as they teetered on the brink of relegation. This day could not have gone worse for Law. There were no ill feelings on behalf of the United fans though. One of the largest crowds to grace Old Trafford that season gave Law, what was described as a 'generous encore' from the Manchester United faithful. The match itself was dominated by United, who could not break through a resolute City side with nothing to lose. United had everything to lose going into this game as a loss would condemn them to relegation, whilst a win would only allow them hope of survival. Hope that was swiped away from beneath their noses in the most cruel of fashions. After 82 minutes without a goal, Franny Lee played a hopeful ball into the box towards Denis Law, facing away from goal. Law instinctively back-heeled the ball towards the goal, only for it to roll through the legs of goalkeeper Alex Stepney and nestle in the back of the net. Law stood motionless, as the City fans within the stadium went wild. United had been condemned to their first relegation in 37 years, Law was immediately substituted after the goal and would never kick a football in the professional game again, retiring later in the year, scarred by the memory of this back-heel.