Mark Helm and Anthony Elanga put United in charge in the early moments after the break but a spectacular hat-trick from former Reds striker Mipo Odubeko saw them snatch the victory with the last goal coming in the third minute of added time.
Both teams were wearing black armbands and two minutes' silence were observed prior to the kick-off as a mark of respect to Prince Philip, who passed away earlier in the day, aged 99.
Older fans among our number will recall his visit to Maine Road in May 1964 to lend his support to a charity match for the Variety Club of Great Britain between United and City, which doubled as that season’s Manchester Senior Cup final.