Manchester – January 17, 2026 — The Manchester derby returns to the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime as Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford, with the spotlight firmly on Michael Carrick, who takes charge of United for the first time as interim manager.

The clash pits a struggling United side in transition against a resurgent Manchester City, who are once again chasing the Premier League title under Pep Guardiola. With pride, momentum, and league positioning on the line, one of world football’s fiercest rivalries is set for another dramatic chapter.

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Manchester United vs Manchester City: Match Details

• Fixture: Manchester United vs Manchester City
• Competition: English Premier League
• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom
• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
• Kickoff: 12:30pm local time (12:30 GMT)
• Live coverage: Al Jazeera Sport from 09:30 GMT (text commentary)

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Carrick Begins Interim Reign in the Deep End

Saturday’s derby marks Michael Carrick’s first match in the dugout as Manchester United’s interim head coach, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Carrick inherits a club enduring another turbulent season, marked by inconsistency, fan frustration, and a familiar search for direction.

United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, having managed just one win in their last six league matches. Their struggles were compounded last week by an FA Cup exit to Brighton, which saw boos ring around Old Trafford at the final whistle.

Despite the gloomy backdrop, Carrick has struck a calm and confident tone.

“I feel in a really good place to be here. It feels very natural,” Carrick said this week. “I understand the job, what it entails and the responsibility of it.”

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Carrick’s Experience and Challenge at Old Trafford

Carrick is no stranger to pressure at Manchester United. As a player, he won every major trophy available at club level and served as a steady presence during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

As a coach, his experience includes:

• An unbeaten three-match interim spell at United in 2021
• A three-year managerial stint at Middlesbrough (2022–2025)

United have handed Carrick a contract until the end of the season, giving the club time to identify a long-term appointment. With 17 league matches remaining, Carrick has a real opportunity to strengthen his case.

“I want to be off my seat with excitement,” Carrick said. “I want to enjoy watching the boys play — and results obviously need to come with that.”

A derby against City, followed by an away trip to Arsenal, represents a daunting introduction to a role that has claimed six managers since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

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Manchester City Back in Title Contention

After a turbulent campaign last season that saw their historic title defence unravel, Manchester City appear to be rediscovering their edge.

City are currently second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal, despite having drawn their last three league matches. Still, Guardiola’s side remain firmly in contention on multiple fronts and are chasing four trophies this season.

Recent results suggest momentum is building:

• 10–1 FA Cup win over Exeter City
• 2–0 League Cup semifinal victory against Newcastle United

Guardiola’s squad has been boosted by the January arrival of Antoine Semenyo, who has scored two goals in two matches and added unpredictability to City’s attack.

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Haaland, Fatigue and City’s Attacking Concerns

While Erling Haaland continues to top the Premier League scoring charts with 20 goals, Guardiola has acknowledged concerns over the striker’s workload.

Haaland played the full match — including extended injury time — in City’s midweek cup win and has not scored from open play since December 20.

“Erling is exhausted,” Guardiola admitted. “Hopefully Omar will be back soon to give him rest.”

Omar Marmoush, returning from AFCON duty with Egypt, is expected to ease the burden once available.

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Previous Manchester Derby Results

Last Meeting (September 2025)

Manchester City cruised to a 3–0 win at the Etihad Stadium, with Haaland scoring twice and Phil Foden adding a third.

Old Trafford Fixture Last Season

The corresponding match ended in a 0–0 draw, with United already out of Champions League contention and City still fighting for their place among Europe’s elite.

Last United Derby Win

United’s most recent victory came last season at the Etihad, when Amad Diallo equalised late before Bruno Fernandes converted an injury-time penalty in a dramatic 2–1 comeback.

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Manchester Derby Head-to-Head Record

Saturday’s game will be the 197th Manchester derby since the first meeting in 1894.

• Manchester United wins: 79
• Manchester City wins: 62
• Draws: 55

United still lead historically, but City have dominated many recent encounters under Guardiola.

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Manchester United Team News

United receive several timely boosts:

• Harry Maguire is fit again
• Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo return from AFCON

However, absences remain:

• Noussair Mazraoui (AFCON final with Morocco)
• Matthijs de Ligt (injured)
• Shea Lacey (suspended)

Predicted Manchester United Lineup

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

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Manchester City Team News

City are dealing with several injuries:

• Josko Gvardiol
• Mateo Kovacic
• John Stones
• Ruben Dias
• Oscar Bobb
• Savinho

Marmoush is expected back after Egypt’s AFCON third-place playoff.

Predicted Manchester City Lineup

Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Bernardo, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland

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What’s at Stake in the Manchester Derby

• United seek renewed belief under Carrick and a spark to salvage their season
• City aim to maintain pressure on Arsenal in the title race
• Pride, momentum, and bragging rights remain priceless

With contrasting trajectories, managerial storylines, and league ambitions, the Manchester derby once again promises drama, intensity, and global attention.