Shaun Goater may have scored two goals to see off Manchester City's dreaded rivals at the weekend, but he was not the man of the match according to Mancunian supporters, writes Matt Westcott.

No, despite the Bermudian netting his 100th goal for the Blues against Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils in a 3-1 win the fans, with tongues firmly in their cheeks, bestowed the honour upon United defender Gary Neville.

The England player endured a torrid time against Goater and Co. and committed a ghastly gaffe to let in the Island striker for his first score.

Attempting to let a harmless pass go out for a goalkick Neville allowed Goater to rob him of the ball on the byline and fire past 'keeper Fabien Barthez.

As a result readers of the Manchester Evening News gave Neville 54 percent of their votes for the man of the match, compared to 15 for second placed Goater.

Meanwhile, Goater has been credited with helping save the life of one of his biggest fans.

Three years ago 73-year-old Margaret Povey lay unconscious in hospital after an operation.

But after a personal get well message from the Goater she made a dramatic recovery.

The pensioner was so ill it was feared she would not make it through the night.

As she lay in a coma, her family asked City for help, and Goater replied with a get well card which the family took turns to read by the bedside.

Margaret's daughter Sue told the Manchester Evening News: “It was the night before City's promotion game against Blackburn.

“My mother suddenly came round, sat up in the bed and pulled the tubes out of her arm.

“She immediately started talking about City. All the doctors were amazed it was nothing short of a miracle. I believe it was through City that she survived.”

Goater and his biggest fan were reunited before Saturday's game thanks to a competition for derby tickets.