“When we faced United I said: ‘This has to change’. I have the best memories of beating Manchester United that season” Sergio Aguero recalls his fondness for Manchester derby success

Former Manchester City talisman Sergio Aguero has revealed that fixtures against arch-rivals Manchester United always held a special significance during his illustrious decade-long career in the Premier League. The legendary Argentine striker, who famously netted 260 goals across 390 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues, explained that facing the red side of Manchester served as the ultimate catalyst for transforming the club's domestic dominance under various managers. During his remarkable ten-year stint at the Etihad Stadium between 2011 and 2021, Aguero secured five Premier League winners' medals, establishing himself as one of the most lethal penalty-box predators in the modern history of English professional football.

Recalling those fierce encounters, the iconic number ten emphasized how shifting the competitive balance against Manchester United was vital for establishing City's new era of supremacy. Aguero notably scored nine goals in Manchester derby fixtures throughout his career, making him one of the fixture's most prolific modern marksmen alongside Wayne Rooney. His decisive contributions included the memorable winner at Old Trafford in April 2013, as well as a clinical brace during a resounding 4-1 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the historic 2013-14 campaign under manager Manuel Pellegrini, a season that ultimately culminated in City capturing both the Premier League title and the League Cup.

While Aguero officially announced his retirement from professional football in December 2021 due to a heart condition following a brief stint with Spanish giants Barcelona, his legacy within the Manchester derby remains firmly cemented in football folklore. Manchester City currently continue to dominate the domestic landscape under Pep Guardiola, building directly upon the winning mentality and competitive standards that Aguero and his veteran teammates helped instill during their trophy-laden tenure. As the modern generation of City and United players prepare for their next chapter in this historic rivalry, supporters will forever cherish the unforgettable moments of brilliance delivered by the club's all-time record goalscorer on derby day.