Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (C) celebrates after scoring a goal against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England November 2, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

United, who brought on Carrick for his first appearance of the season after a long injury, could have conceded two penalties in the last few minutes before the interval but referee Michael Oliver gave them the benefit of the doubt as City appealed for apparent fouls against Aguero by Marouane Fellaini and Yaya Toure by Rojo.

The visitors were then forced into another change, Rojo suffering a shoulder injury and having to be replaced by 19 year-old Northern Irish centre back McNair.

Ten minutes later Toure's pass sent Clichy to the byline and he cut the ball back for Aguero to hook in his 10th league goal of the season.

Forced to push forward, United finally threatened for almost the first time.

After 70 minutes, Joe Hart had to save at the near post from Robin van Persie and shortly afterwards he denied Angel Di Maria.

That followed a driving run by Wayne Rooney, back in the side after missing three matches through suspension, who had been adopting a deep-lying role even before the sending off.

Fellaini was then guilty of a bad miss, heading wide from close range in United's best spell of the game.

Sending on Edin Dzeko and Sami Nasri for Stevan Jovetic and Milner failed to give City any fresh impetus, although Navas did hit the outside of a post.

City were relieved to hear the final whistle as captain Vincent Kompany admitted in telling Sky Sports: "You miss a couple of chances and seem to lose a little control. They played well towards the end. But we stayed strong for a clean sheet and a good derby win."