Man United vs Man City: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Manchester United vs Manchester City preview, prediction and broadcast details

Manchester United step into another moment of uncertainty and intrigue as they welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford in the Premier League. This derby arrives at a junction where short term fixes and long term questions collide, a familiar theme at United over recent seasons. The appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager marks yet another attempt to stabilise a campaign that has drifted from early ambition into uneasy recalibration.

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Carrick begins his second caretaker spell with United sitting seventh in the Premier League, three points off the top four, a position that flatters neither performance nor mood. His elevation follows the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and comes after Darren Fletcher oversaw a brief but unconvincing stint, including a 2-2 draw at Burnley and an FA Cup exit to Brighton. The sense is of a club buying time rather than direction, hoping familiarity might restore some coherence.

Across the technical area stands Pep Guardiola, himself dealing with unfamiliar pressure. City remain formidable yet vulnerable, six points behind Arsenal after a run of three consecutive league draws. Their 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter offered catharsis rather than clarity, a reminder of attacking depth rather than defensive certainty.

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Premier League context and derby stakes

For United, the derby carries symbolic weight beyond the table. Carrick inherits a squad still searching for balance, likely to persist with a 4-2-3-1 shape that prioritises control without sacrificing threat. Only Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable, while the potential returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo following Africa Cup of Nations exits offer renewed attacking options.

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City’s concerns are more structural. Injuries to Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones have stripped Guardiola of his preferred centre-back combinations, leaving Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne as limited alternatives. The January arrival of Antoine Semenyo eases wide concerns, especially with Savinho and Oscar Bobb sidelined, and the former Bournemouth winger impressed with a goal on his debut against Exeter.

Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream

The Premier League clash takes place at Old Trafford with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 11am GMT. Live streaming is available via the Sky Go app, while highlights will be accessible later in the day through Sky Sports platforms and Match of the Day on BBC One.

Team news, prediction and head to head record

City also await the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush from Africa Cup of Nations duty, though neither is expected to feature.

This fixture often resists logic, particularly when United are in flux. Amorim’s only Manchester derby at Old Trafford ended scoreless, and City’s current form suggests vulnerability. Yet Guardiola’s side retain an edge in control and cutting edge, even with absentees.

Prediction: Man City to win, 3-1.

Head to head history underlines the rivalry’s depth. Manchester United have recorded 80 victories, Manchester City 63, with 54 draws, a statistical reflection of eras that swing as sharply as this fixture itself.