Sergio Agüero sprang off the bench to hit a brilliant winner as Manchester City restored some pride with a 2-1 derby victory against Manchester United.
The Argentine embarked on a solo run before unleashing an unstoppable drive past David de Gea in the 78th minute as City recorded their second successive victory at Old Trafford for the first time since 1970.
United 1-2 City
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(01 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(02 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(03 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero celebrates in front of the United fans after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(05 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) celebrates in front of the United fans after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(06 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City scores his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(07 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, right, Rafael, 2nd right, and Rio Ferdinand, pursue Manchester City's Carlos Tevez, left, during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, Rafael and Rio Ferdinand, from right, pursue Manchester City's Carlos Tevez, left, during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Robin van Persie, left, is brushed aside by Manchester City's Vincent Kompany during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Referee Mike Dean watches as Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, 2nd left, links arms with Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester City's James Milner, left, scores the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester City's James Milner, right, celebrates with Samir Nasri after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones celebrates after his header hit Vincent Kompany of Manchester to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones, center, heads the ball which hit Vincent Kompany of Manchester to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones celebrates after his header hit Vincent Kompany of Manchester to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones celebrates after his header hit Vincent Kompany of Manchester to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones, center, heads the ball which hit Vincent Kompany, center left, of Manchester City to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones, right, celebrates after his header hit Vincent Kompany of Manchester to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester City's James Milner, left, celebrates with Samir Nasri, 2nd left, after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Phil Jones, center, heads the ball which hit Vincent Kompany, center left, of Manchester City to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(22 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez (L) greets Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (R) before the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, left, gets away from Manchester City's Yaya Toure during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, right, shakes hands with Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini ahead of the English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Danny Wellbeck, left, gets in a cross despite the challenge of Manchester City's Samir Nasri during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, right, goes to shake hands with Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini ahead of the English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(27 of41)
Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra stands with his son Lenny before the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(28 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Michael Carrick of Manchester United tussles for posession with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(29 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Danny Welbeck (L) vies with Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (C) and Manchester City's French defender Gael Clichy (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(30 of41)
Manchester United's Brazilian defender Rafael Da Silva (R) vies with Manchester City's French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(31 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Danny Welbeck runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(32 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Phil Jones of Manchester United heads the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(33 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez (L) vies with Manchester United's English defender Rio Ferdinand (2nd L), Brazilian defender Rafael Da Silva (2nd R) and Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(34 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Phil Jones of Manchester United competes with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(35 of41)
Manchester City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini (L) reacts during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(36 of41)
Manchester United's Brazilian defender Rafael Da Silva (R) vies with Manchester City's French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(37 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Ryan Giggs (l) and Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United compete with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(38 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (R) wins a header as Manchester City's French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League(39 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Ryan Giggs (l) and Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United compete with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(40 of41)
Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie (L) shoots past Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY(41 of41)
Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (L) vies with Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on April 8, 2013. AFP/PHOTO PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
After a dull opening 45 Ryan Giggs carelessly ceded possession and James Milner gave City the lead when his rifled effort deflected off Phil Jones six minutes after the pause.
Jones then nodded onto City captain Vincent Kompany's back for United's equaliser eight minutes later, however the champions-elect were unable to generate any tangible momentum and Agüero punished the hosts.
United's lead has now been trimmed down to 12 points and they still need 10 to regain their title.