Victory over United sent City three points clear at the top of the English Premier League, and ended Jose Mourinho’s flawless start to the season as United manager.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled one back for United in the 42nd minute to set up an intriguing second half but a resilient City held out for a deserved three points.
It pitted old foes Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola together for the first time since they arrived in Manchester, the Spaniard claiming a huge win for his side in pursuit of the Premier League title.
City’s win, their 50th in competitive derby matches, saw them end United’s ideal start to the season.
After months of hype in Manchester – and well beyond -following the appointment of the two great managerial foes, it was Guardiola’s side who initially took complete control of a game that was being billed as one the whole world was watching.
Aleksandar Kolarov’s high ball was flicked on by Iheanacho – in for the suspended Sergio Aguero – and De Bruyne beat Daley Blind to the ball before clinically wrong-footing David de Gea.
But Guardiola, who as coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich has overseen some of the defining performances in European football over the past 10 years, says he was in awe of Bravo’s display.
It was an unexpected foothold for the hosts and they finished the first half strongly.
Rooney crossed for Ibrahimovic to head at Bravo and the Swedish striker then saw an effort blocked by John Stones after the City goalkeeper failed to field a stray ball.
Guardiola responded to Mourinho’s changes by bolstering his own midfield, with Fernando and debutant Leroy Sane coming on and De Bruyne taking up a central forward role.
A beautifully poised game swung from end to end thereafter.
But, with City leading 2-0, the Chilean dropped the ball for United to score and nearly cost his side further goals.
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The hapless Bravo could easily have given away a penalty with a studs-up challenge on an infuriated Wayne Rooney but City regained their composure, defended with resolve and could have wrapped up a more emphatic victory when De Bruyne’s late shot hit the post and ran across the face of goal. Ibrahimovic was clinical with his reaction, volleying first time into the net from just inside the area.
