Manchester United are set to host Manchester City in a blockbuster Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The Manchester derby presents United an opportunity to end a miserable run of form in interim manager, Michael Carrick’s first game in charge. City on the hand, are looking to build a winning run of form in order to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
Teams’ Form And Recent Performances
Manchester United
The 2025/26 season has been a very disappointing one for Man United, who have had all hopes of any trophy this campaign dashed following their early eliminations from the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
With no European football to contend with, the Red Devils are currently languishing in seventh in the Premier League standings.
Also Read: Man United Appoint Carrick As Interim Manager
The club ended ties with Ruben Amorim following United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United four days into the new year after a string of poor results and a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
United have won just one game in their last seven across all competitions with the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup ending caretaker Darren Fletcher’s short stint and Carrick appointed on an interim basis.
The Manchester derby pose a huge challenge for the former Middlesborough Head Coach as he begins his second stint as United’s boss having being in charge on a caretaker capacity following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
Manchester City
City head into the derby on the back of some excellent results in the last two matches.
Pep Guardiola’s side recorded their best ever result in the FA Cup over the weekend as they defeated League One outfit, Exeter City FC 10-1 in the third round of the competition. They followed that up with a resounding 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Also Read: Carragher: Only Man City Can Stop Arsenal From Winning EPL Title
The Cityzens are looking to end a three-match winless run in the league when they visit United on Sunday on the back of three draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton which made them drop further points in the league standings as they try to dislodge Arsenal at the top.
Head-To-Head Statistics
Man United and Man City have met 197 times with the Red Devils taking the lead with 80 victories to City’s 63 while 54 matches have ended in draws.
Recent meetings have seen United won just three of their last 12 matches against their City rivals.
Although, Guardiola has lost nine times against the Red Devils. Only against Liverpool and Tottenham (10 each) has the Spaniard lost more games against a single opponent in his managerial career.
Key Players Analysis
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes remains United’s most lethal weapon since his move to the club in 2020. The 31-year-old has netted five goals, provided eight assists and created the most chances in the league so far.
Also Read: Man United Should Sign De Jong –Stam
The Red Devils’ skipper is an energetic, direct attacking midfielder known for creating goals through risky, high-reward passes, while also being a strong presser and a good long-range shooter and free-kick taker.
The Portuguese has three goals and two assists against the Cityzens.
Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo is an adaptable, left-footed forward who primarily plays as a right-winger. The Cameroonian, who recently returned from an international duty is likely going to pose a threat to Man City with his intelligent off-the-ball movement, direct dribbling, pace, and a strong defensive work rate.
The former Brentford star has contributed seven goals and an assist since his arrival at Old Trafford.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland
Haaland is unquestionably the best player for City this season following 26 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Haaland is a unique goalscorer, who has blistering pace, elite off-ball movement and a clinical, powerful finishing ability.
The two-time golden boot winner has eight goals and three assists in six matches against United.
Phil Foden
Foden is a technically gifted attacking midfielder, who can operate in multiple roles. He excels at dribbling in tight spaces, using quick touches to beat defenders, and making intelligent runs into the box.
The 25-year-old has netted 10 goals and notched four assists for City this term and with his seven goals against United, he is a player the team have to keep a keen eye on.
Team News
Man United
United have an almost clean bill of health with only Matthijs de Ligt out injured. Though, the Red Devils still have Noussair Mazraoui out as he is on an Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco.
Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are available for selection following their national teams’ elimination from the AFCON.
Kobbie Mainoo recently returned from injury and will be hoping to start his first league game of the season.
Man City
City are currently battling with series of issues as Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), John Stones (thigh), Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb (both hamstring) and Savinho (unspecified) are all sidelined with injuries.
Omar Marmoush is still away on AFCON duty with Egypt.
Also Read: Man City Still A Work In Progress –Guardiola
Antoine Semenyo is looking to start his first league game under Guardiola after completing a £65 million move from Bournemouth.
The Ghana international already has two goals and an assist for his new club.
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Man United (4-2-3-1):
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Man City (4-1-4-1):
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly; Rodri; Semenyo, Bernardo, Foden, Doku; Haaland
By Habeeb Kuranga
