Manchester City ended their journey to defend FA Cup title but still earned great credit to their determination with one man down in a third-round 3-2 defeat against the city rivals United on Sunday.

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A dramatic return of the retired Paul Scholes seemed to boost the visiting Man. United, who made an explosive start after Wayne Rooney's brace and Danny Welbeck's volley gave them a 3-0 cushion after 40 minutes.

However, Roberto Mancini's side refused to give up despite they were reduced to 10 men in Vincent Kompanya' sending off during United's dominating first half.

The Premier League leaders narrowed the gap to 3-2 after netting twice in the second period, but failed to force a replay with a late free-kick denied by the United keeper Anders Lindegaard.

With the victory, United revenged City's 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford in October last year. United will visit Livepool in the fourth-round tie at Anfield on January 28.

While City, suffering the first home defeat at the Etihad Stadium since 2011, still can prove their strengths in the influential league battles.

In a rainy clash, Rooney's lightning header gifted the visiting side a dream start just 10 minutes after the opening whistle.

Two minutes later, Man. City suffered a further harsh blow when their captain Kompany was shown directly a red card due to a challenge on Luis Nani, leaving the home side have to play with one men less in nearly 80 minutes.

The host's nightmare proceeded when Danny Welbeck hit a superb volley and Rooney struck a penalty in to make it 3-0 for the "Red Devils" before the half time.

Despite a numerical disadvantage and an unlikely comeback, the Cup holders were incessant as they fought way back when Aleksandar Kolarov's left-footed freekick cut the deficit three minutes after the restart.

City had hopes of rescuing the game after the lone target man Sergio Aguero followed up in time to score after his first shot was not cleared far from reach by Lindegaard.

Thrilling the wet through home crowds, Kolarov's curling freekick in the dying seconds was still dangerous but less angled than the first, parried by a concentrated Lindegaard.

Losing the derby, Man. City still won a standing ovation from their supporters for a spirited performance.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet