(Manchester United News)
Ashley Young wants to replicate the feeling of Robin van Persie's dramatic derby winner when Manchester United last defeated Manchester City.
The Dutch striker's deflected free-kick flew past City goalkeeper Joe Hart's outstretched fingertips to earn a superb 3-2 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's men in December 2012, sparking joyous celebrations on the pitch and in the away end.
The triumph was a key one in ensuring Sir Alex eventually lifted the title in his final season in charge and Young recalls the moment fondly after seeing a goal wrongly disallowed for offside during the Etihad Stadium encounter.
"I remember the year we beat them 3-2 with Robin's free-kick right at the end," he told Inside United
. "That was a crazy game – we had gone 2-0 up but they got themselves back into it at 2-2. When Robin scored, I think looking back after the goal, the players were running off in different directions.
"I didn't know where to go and celebrate. You could tell by the joy we had and the way we were celebrating on the pitch with all the staff after the game, it was brilliant and a great feeling. I'd love to have that again."
Young expects a special occasion again on Sunday when City head across town to Old Trafford for a match between the third and fourth-placed sides in the Barclays Premier League.
"When it comes to derby games, they are a one-off and we know it's going to be a tough game and an electric atmosphere," he stated. "There is always added impetus because it's a big derby and we are trying to qualify for the Champions League."
