Manchester United vs Manchester City: Match Preview

Manchester United begin a fresh chapter as interim boss Michael Carrick takes charge for his first game against fierce rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils turned to their former midfielder to guide the club until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last week.

Carrick edged out competition from ex-manager and former teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to land the temporary role at Old Trafford, marking his second spell as caretaker manager.

He inherits a United side currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, three points behind the top four.

The 42-year-old replaces Darren Fletcher, who oversaw a 2-2 league draw with Burnley before United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton.

Carrick now faces a major test against Pep Guardiola, whose Manchester City side have lost momentum in the title race.

City trail league leaders Arsenal by six points after drawing their last three Premier League matches. However, they rediscovered their scoring touch with a dominant 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter last weekend.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Manchester United vs Manchester City will kick off at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

The match will be played at Old Trafford.

Where to watch Man Utd vs Man City

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event (coverage from 11am GMT).

Live stream: Sky Go app for subscribers.

Live blog: HesGoal Sport live coverage.

Man Utd vs Man City team news

Carrick is expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation similar to the system used under Fletcher.

Matthijs de Ligt remains the only confirmed absentee for United, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo could return following their Africa Cup of Nations exits.

Manchester City are facing a defensive injury crisis. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are all sidelined long term, leaving Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne as the remaining centre-back options.

Savinho and Oscar Bobb are also unavailable. However, January signing Antoine Semenyo impressed on his debut against Exeter and could make his Premier League debut this weekend.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is unlikely to return after Algeria’s AFCON exit, while Omar Marmoush remains with Egypt in the semi-finals.

Man Utd vs Man City prediction

United failed to gain momentum under Fletcher, and their struggles continued against Brighton in the FA Cup.

They held City to a goalless draw in Amorim’s only derby at Old Trafford, while Guardiola’s side are still searching for consistency.

With City missing several key players, this could be a closely fought contest.

Prediction: Manchester City to win 2-1.

Head-to-head record

  • Manchester United wins: 80
  • Manchester City wins: 63
  • Draws: 54