The Manchester derby has always been one of the biggest fixtures in English football, but it has taken on some added significance over the last decade or so.
The rise of Manchester City as the dominant force in the Premier League has resulted in the game becoming an even bigger occasion for Manchester United. However, they have continued to slip further behind Pep Guardiola's side in recent times.
Roy Keane and Micah Richards are two players who know this fixture well, albeit from opposite sides. The Irishman never lost a Manchester derby during his career, while Richards was a part of some significant victories as City started to experience more success against their rivals.
Ahead of the meeting between the two teams this afternoon, both men picked their derby favourite memories from their own playing days.
Roy Keane & Micah Richards throw digs over derby celebrations
Richards picked his assist for Sergio Aguero in City's 6-1 victory at Old Trafford in the 2011/12 campaign, with Roberto Mancini's side going on to win the title at the end of that season.
The defender was delighted with his contribution, although Roy Keane wasn't too impressed with his celebration afterwards.
"I was running to the crowd" 🤣 @MicahRichards
"Very childish" 😂
Roy Keane and Micah Richards are already in the mood for today's Manchester derby, with Roy roasting Micah's celebrations 😭 pic.twitter.com/C4kJCGZWL4— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 6, 2022
Richards: I was running to the crowd, I was absolutely milking it. What a day that was!
Roy, do you like that celebration?
Keane: Very childish.
Keane would perhaps been wise to remember his own reaction after one of his most memorable goals.
After he was shown footage of his late winner in the derby back in 1993 to cap off a big United comeback, Richards couldn't help but have a dig at the Cork native's celebration on that occasion.
"That is the worst celebration I've EVER seen" 🤣@MicahRichards and Roy Keane are the gift that keep giving 😂 pic.twitter.com/2PiW2cOsXY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 6, 2022
Keane: We were 2-0 down, we never should have been two down. That was a proper fullback crossing it and a nice little tap in.
Richards: What is that celebration? That is the worst celebration I have ever seen! Tell me about that, please.
Keane: When you get the winner, last kick of the game. I should have scored a couple in the first so I was disappointed. That was a proper United team.
Roy Keane put in a stunning performance in that game only a matter of months after signing for Manchester United, with his goal the first of what would be many happy derby memories for the midfielder.
That celebration did leave a lot to be desired though.
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