Did you know that Cristiano Ronaldo has the most number of red cards in Manchester derby?

City rivals Manchester United and Manchester City lock horns in the 2021-22 season’s first Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The two Premier League giants have faced each other on 185 occasions in the past and 48 times in the Premier League era. The Red Devils have an upper hand in the head-to-head record with 24 victories in the Premier League and 77 in all competitions. 

This is one of the most fierce rivalries in the world of football. Ahead of this crucial fixture this weekend, Goal brings for you five interesting facts which would further intrigue your interest.

Stats courtesy: OptaStats

• #1

  Unbeaten in last four Manchester derbies in Premier League

  Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches against Manchester City. They have won thrice and drew once. This is their longest unbeaten run in league derbies since their unbeaten streak of six matches between 2008 and 2011.

• #2

  Zero goals from set-pieces

  Manchester United are the only Premier League club this season to have not scored a goal from a set-piece situation. Manchester City, on the other hand, are one of the two Premier League clubs who have conceded a goal from a set-piece situation. The other club is Wolves.

• #3

  Ronaldo only player to receive more than one red card in Manchester derby

  There have been eight red cards in 48 Premier League Manchester derby matches, with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo the only player to have been sent off more than once in the fixture (January 2006 and November 2008).

• #4

  Sterling has never scored against Manchester United

  Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has faced Manchester United more than he has faced any other opponent in his club career in all competitions (23). However, Sterling is yet to score against the Red Devils, despite playing 1662 minutes and having 38 shots (15 on target) in these games.

• #5

  Ole’s incredible record against Pep Guardiola

  Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has won four of his eight meetings with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in all competitions, the best win rate of any manager to face the Spaniard at least five times. He has a 50 per cent win record against Guardiola.