Manchester United fans could well see a familiar face line up against their team on Thursday night against Real Sociedad. As Erik ten Hag’s side prepare for their first Europa League group game of the season, they will be keenly aware of the Manchester City legend in the opposing squad. David Silva was a major part of the power shift towards the blue half of Manchester and, if he plays, United must find a way to deal with him once more.
They kept him quiet during a 4-0 away win in the first leg of their round of 32 meeting in this competition in the 2020/21 season. But Silva has found a way through United before. Here is the lowdown on the four times the Spaniard has scored against the Red Devils over the years.
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MUFC 2-1 MCFC, 12th February 2011, Old Trafford
Silva scored his first Manchester derby goal in just his second taste of the rivalry. The Cityzens were still in their “noisy neighbours” phase at this point, with their dramatic first Premier League title win just over a year away. Silva’s 65th minute tap-in, sandwiched between goals from Wayne Rooney and Nani, was not enough to turn the tide.
But the shift had begun. United would not win another league derby until September 2013. The neighbours were about to turn the volume up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
MUFC 1-6 MCFC, 23rd October 2011, Old Trafford
What a difference nine months can make. Just about the only thing that linked this with the previous Old Trafford league derby was the fact our subject scored. Silva netted his side’s fifth goal in injury time of this utter mauling.
A marauding run from Edin Dzeko created space for Silva. When the centre forward slotted him in with a smart pass, the Spain international calmly slotted his finish past David De Gea to make it an inconceivable 5-1. To add insult to considerable injury, Silva then set up Dzeko for City’s sixth goal.
MUFC 1-2 MCFC, 10th December 2017, Old Trafford
Less than two weeks before the sixth anniversary of the 6-1, things had changed. City were now two-time Premier League champions. United had not lifted the trophy since 2013. Silva and his teammates would be celebrating a third championship at the end of this season, while United haven’t won any major trophies since this game took place.
A looping ball ricocheted away from Chris Smalling and Jesse Lingard, presenting Silva with an opportunity on the half-volley. He hungrily took the chance, putting City into a 1-0 lead just before half time. Marcus Rashford answered back soon after the break before Nicolas Otamendi scored a City winner just before the hour.
MCFC 3-1 MUFC, 11th November 2018, Etihad Stadium
The only goal Silva netted against the Red Devils at the Etihad was a special occasion for the midfielder. The Spain international captained his side against Manchester United that day, leading by example by netting his side’s opening goal.
Namesake and heir apparent Bernardo Silva was the provider for a right-footed finish 12 minutes in. Sergio Aguero scored the second before Anthony Martial pulled one back from the penalty spot. Bernardo would put the result beyond doubt a third for City in the 86th minute.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
