Man City vs Man United: A Fiery Manchester Derby, The 197th Chapter of a Historic Rivalry

⚽ Welcoming the 197th Manchester Derby

Few fixtures in world football carry the weight and drama of a Manchester Derby. Since their very first clash in 1891 – 134 years ago – the two clubs have locked horns 196 times, shaping some of the most unforgettable moments in English football history.

Heading into this season’s first derby, neither side is in sparkling form. City have only managed 3 points from their opening 3 matches, while United sit slightly higher with 4 points. Still, when it comes to a derby, form often means little – passion, pride, and history always take center stage.

The much-anticipated battle of wits between Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim

Anthony Taylor will officiate the match. Interestingly, in the four previous Manchester derbies under his whistle, United have won three, while City managed just one victory. Perhaps a good omen for the Red Devils?

🤜🤛 Head-to-Head: United Still Hold the Edge

Across 196 meetings, Manchester United boast the upper hand with 80 wins, compared to City’s 62, and 54 draws.

United coach Rúben Amorim will remind his players that just last season, they stunned Pep Guardiola’s City at the Etihad with a 2-1 win – a reminder that the "noisy neighbors" can still be silenced.

But City are not the same team of two decades ago. The reigning European giants no longer fear the shadow of United’s dominance. At the Etihad, most teams struggle – but United have been a rare exception. In the last 10 league derbies at the Etihad, United won 5, City won 4, and just 1 ended in a draw.

 

🔥 Recent Premier League Meetings

🌟 Classic Manchester Derby Moments

United 4-3 City – September 20, 2009

One of the most thrilling derbies ever. City kept fighting back, but Michael Owen’s stoppage-time winner sealed an unforgettable 4-3 victory at Old Trafford. Fittingly, it was Owen’s first-ever goal at the Theatre of Dreams.

Scoring against Man City while playing for MU is one of Owen's most memorable moments in his career.

United 2-1 City – February 12, 2011

A match remembered for Wayne Rooney’s legendary bicycle kick. With the game poised at 1-1 after goals from Nani and a deflected David Silva strike, Rooney soared into the air to smash home a goal that Sir Alex Ferguson later called the best he had ever seen at Old Trafford.

Rooney scored one of the best goals in the history of Manchester derby

United 1-6 City – October 23, 2011

“Why Always Me?” – Mario Balotelli’s iconic celebration became the face of City’s demolition of their rivals at Old Trafford. Goals from Balotelli (2), Agüero, Džeko (2), and Silva embarrassed United in their own backyard. Darren Fletcher’s strike for United was quickly forgotten in one of their darkest derby days.

Balotelli shows his arrogance

City 6-3 United – October 2, 2022

Over a decade later, another derby collapse. Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, Phil Foden added another three, and United were humiliated again. Late goals from Antony and Martial only softened the scoreline, but the damage – and humiliation – was already done.

MU cannot stop Haaland

City 1-2 United – FA Cup Final, May 25, 2024

The second consecutive Manchester FA Cup final had many expecting another Guardiola triumph. Instead, United shocked City with first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Despite Jérémy Doku’s reply, United lifted the trophy at Wembley, proving that even in the Guardiola era, City are not untouchable.

Garnacho and Mainoo once brought glory to MU

⚡ What Awaits in the 197th Derby?

This Sunday, the derby writes its 197th chapter. History favors United, recent dominance leans towards City, and both teams are desperate for points after shaky starts.

For the fans, it promises passion, drama, and perhaps another moment to be etched into derby folklore.

At the Etihad, under the lights, Manchester will once again be divided – but the world will be watching.