Manchester derbies are always memorable, but they are becoming even more so with the last-gasp winners that have characterized some of the last few encounters. And they've all gone United's way, to the despair of City fans. Michael Owen did it to them at Old Trafford during Mark Hughes short tenure as Citizens' coach by clinching the winner in the 6th minute of injury time. Paul Scholes' perfectly- placed header in the 93rd minute crucified City in the title run-in of the same season. And Nani's game winning goal in the Community Shield on Sunday sealed the memorable, yet improbable, hat-trick of turnarounds.
I agree with City's captain Vincent Kompany that the outcome of the game will not have any incidence on the approach of both teams regarding the Premier League title run-in. Like in all previous Community Shield games, the clubs did not intentionally feature their best teams or the teams at their best. It would be stupid of them to peak just for the rather meaningless Cup. But what this outcome will affect surely, is the trepidation or caution which City will feel against their city rivals when the score is tight near the end of the match. That they've been hard done by so many times in recent times will no doubt linger on their minds. The Red Devils are what they are and have been in the Ferguson era; attacking beasts till the final whistle is blown. Never beaten until the end. Just ask Bayern Munich (and Man City).
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