MANCHESTER, England -- Kelechi Iheanacho showed why Pep Guardiola had no problem in thrusting the teenager into the Manchester derby by scoring the winner in Saturday's 2-1 victory.
And the Manchester City striker admitted it was a special day after his 36th-minute strike turned out be the winner in a scintillating 172nd derby.
City headed to Old Trafford without talisman striker Sergio Aguero after the Argentine was given a three-match ban for an elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid in the previous game at the Etihad.
Iheancho is the only other recognised striker at the club but Guardiola had other options with Nolito, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Kevin de Bruyne all capable of playing in a central role.
However the Spaniard opted to start with Iheanacho and his decision was vindicated when the 19-year-old scored City's second when he reacted quickest to a De Bruyne shot that struck the post.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled a goal back but City held on for the three points with Iheanacho's strike proving to be the difference.
"It's been a special day for me, playing in the Manchester derby and scoring a goal -- I am really happy and proud," the Nigeria international told reporters.
"We played well and worked really hard, especially in the second half to keep the scoreline.
"I didn't know if I would play or not because we have so many good players that we have many options.
"I was hoping that if the manager chose me I could just work hard -- I was happy he picked me for the striking position."
Iheanacho, who has now scored 15 goals for 38 appearances since his City debut 12 months ago, should have done enough to continue deputising for Aguero in the other two games he is suspended for -- the Premier League matchup with Bournemouth on Saturday and the EFL Cup clash at Swansea City.
But Aguero should return to the starting lineup for the Champions League group game with Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad on Tuesday.
It's another important clash for City and Iheanacho is hoping they can build on their impressive victory over rivals United.
"This was good motivation for the Champions League game," Iheanacho added.
"It was a great team performance in the first half, but we have a great manager and good quality players and showed good character and positioning.
"They are such good quality players it makes it easier to play, especially with the philosophy of this manager."