Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Winners and Losers from Derby

Manchester United's 4-2 win over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday saw them move four points ahead of the Blues with just six matches of the season to play. 

Goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling saw United beat City for the first time in five matches. For Manuel Pellegrini's side, they now have a fight on their hands to finish in the top four, an unthinkable scenario after winning the league last May. 

Here are some winners and losers from a pulsating Manchester derby. 

Winner: Marouane Fellaini

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After looking like a misfit in his first season at Old Trafford, Fellaini has become something of a vital component in United's recent renaissance. 

Time and again in the win over City, he would win headers and cause panic in the Blues' back line. United were picking up second balls in and around the area because of his aerial dominance. 

It's strange that David Moyes, the man who brought him to United and used him so well at Everton, failed to get the best out of him. Louis van Gaal, however, most certainly has. 

Loser: Manuel Pellegrini

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Eight defeats in their last 15 matches across all competitions, with just five wins in that period, have seen City slip down to fourth in the Premier League table. As a result, their manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has come under increasing scrutiny.

The manner of this latest defeat could be the final straw for City's decision-makers. Pellegrini once again looked incapable of making the necessary changes to galvanise his side and produce a much-needed victory. 

It's been a shocking few weeks in which the results have spoken for themselves. Pellegrini's first season in charge was excellent, but this one has been a disaster. 

Winner: Patrick Vieira

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Out of every sacking comes an appointment for someone else. For Patrick Vieira, City's Elite Development Squad manager, Pelligrini's potential departure could be just the opening he needs to establish himself as a top-level manager. 

With six games to go, surely the Frenchman, so highly regarded by those at the Etihad, would be in the frame to take over on a temporary basis should Pellegrini leave. 

Vieira's contract is up at the end of the season, and with plenty of clubs around the world likely to want him on board, City may need to act to keep him tied to them. This could be the perfect scenario for both parties. 

Loser: Pablo Zabaleta

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Having been one of City's finest players for the last three years, it's clear this season has seen Pablo Zabaleta regress. 

Too often in this match he was beaten easily, with United enjoying great success down their left. 

Either too much football for club and country is taking its toll temporarily, or, at 30, he's on a terminal decline. City will be hoping it's the former. 

Winner: Louis van Gaal

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There's no doubt that after an underwhelming start to life as United manager, which was characterised by some poor attacking performances, Louis van Gaal is beginning to see his team come together nicely. 

No side in the Premier League has taken more points from their home matches than United (43), and since their win over Tottenham a few weeks ago, there's been a swagger and confidence about their play. 

It looks like the Dutchman has secured a return to the Champions League, which was at the top of the club's list of priorities before the season started. 

Loser: Sergio Aguero

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Sergio Aguero scored two goals—his 99th and 100th for the club—and was one of the few players to emerge from the game with his reputation unharmed. 

It should have been a special day. Scoring 100 for a Premier League side is a remarkable achievement, even more so when it's completed in 158 games, but a poor performance and disastrous result soured his moment.