Three times United led -- through Wayne Rooney and two Darren Fletcher headers -- but three times City fought back with a goal from Gareth Barry and two from Craig Bellamy, his second coming in the 90th minute, before Owen decided it in style.
The win took United to 15 points -- alongside Chelsea. City, who had won their first four league games, remain on 12, alongside Spurs and Liverpool, who won 3-2 at West Ham United on Saturday.
Sunday's Manchester derby between the champions and a big-spending City side with great expectations was one of the most-eagerly-awaited for years and it more than lived up to its billing.
With the scores level at 3-3 the pulsating contest seemed headed towards a draw. United were not done, though. With City manager Mark Hughes screaming for the final whistle, Giggs split the visiting defence with a perfectly-weighted pass for Owen to toe in the winner.
On Saturday, Fernando Torres scored twice as Liverpool battled to a 3-2 Premier League win at West Ham United on Saturday after the Londoners had twice pegged them back.
Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen was a less likely two-goal hero as his double set up Arsenal for a 4-0 home thrashing of Wigan Athletic -- emphatically avoiding a hat-trick of defeats after losses to Manchester United and City.
Aston Villa also gained ground on the leaders with a 2-0 home victory over bottom side Portsmouth, who are still without a point after six games.
Promoted Burnley's good start continued when they beat Sunderland 3-1 with two goals on his debut for on-loan striker David Nugent, Birmingham City beat Hull City 1-0 away while Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City drew 1-1.
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