Manchester City were bidding for a fifth successive derby win and took the lead in the eighth minute as Sergio Aguero tapped in David Silva’s cross.But United responded well, levelling in the 14th minute through Ashley Young before going ahead just before the half-hour mark when Marouane Fellaini headed home.Juan Mata made it 3-1 midway through the second half and Chris Smalling extended the advantage further not long afterwards.Aguero pulled a late goal back for City but it was nothing more than a consolation as United recorded their sixth consecutive Premier League win and moved four points ahead of their rivals in the table.
The visitors actually made the better start in wet conditions at Old Trafford and could have taken the lead in the sixth minute had Jesus Navas converted a one-on-one chance against David de Gea.
But the deadlock was broken shortly afterwards as James Milner played a clever reverse pass through for David Silva and he crossed for Aguero to tap in.
It was no more than City deserved after a positive opening but their lead did not last long as Gael Clichy was unable to clear Ander Herrera’s cross and the ball bounced up kindly for Young to finish from close range.