A transformed Manchester United began manager Michael Carrick’s second stint in charge with an exhilarating 3-0 derby-day victory over Manchester City in the Premier League at a vibrant Old Trafford on Saturday.
Carrick’s attack-minded side swept away the gloom hanging over the club, with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu underlining their dominance over a disappointing City side whose title hopes suffered a major blow.
Mbeumo, recently returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon, finished clinically in the 65th minute, and Dorgu got on the end of a Matheus Cunha cross to send the home fans into dreamland 10 minutes later.
But for a superb display by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and three disallowed goals, United could have enjoyed an even more emphatic margin of victory. The visitors barely threatened, with prolific striker Erling Haaland afforded few chances.
The humbling defeat dealt a significant setback to City’s hopes of reeling in Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Instead of cutting the gap at the top to three points, they could find themselves nine adrift if Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest later on Saturday.
For United, it was the perfect start to Carrick’s tenure as they moved provisionally into fourth place.
Follow all the latest reaction from Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City below:
Man United vs Man City live
- Man United begin life under Michael Carrick victory over Man City | Live on Sky Sports
- 76' GOAL! Dorgu knocks home United's second from close range (MUN 2-0 MCI)
- 65' GOAL! Mbeumo finshes off rapid counterattack to stun City (MUN 1-0 MCI)
- 41' DISALLOWED! Fernandes is offside as he beats the goalkeeper as well (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 36' SAVE! Lammens palms away Alleyne's header (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 33' DISALLOWED! Amad weaves around the goalkeeper and scores but he's offside (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 23' SAVE! Donnarumma denies Dorgu from close (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 3' CROSSBAR! Maguire's header rattles the woodwork (MUN 0-0 MCI)
Michael Carrick’s tactical masterclass brings noise and magic back to Old Trafford
Saturday 17 January 2026 16:03 , Richard JollyMichael Carrick was mild-mannered to the last. His expression was sober, his immediate reaction to offer handshakes.
To look at him, it was not evident Manchester United had recorded the most emphatic of derby wins. Yet the soundtrack was different, the chorus of Carrick’s name coming from the Stretford End.
And if Carrick was calm, a glance at many another told a different tale.
Michael Carrick’s tactical masterclass brings noise and magic back to Old Trafford
Carrick on Dalot's potential red card
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:49 , Mike Jones“I literally haven’t seen it to be honest,” said Carrick when asked if Diogo Dalot should have been sent off.
“At the time I thought he’d kicked the ball out but the fourth official said he hadn’t. I’ve not seen the offside decisions either but apparently they were close. If it went for us, it went for us and we’ll take it.
“For so many reasons, today was special. But it’s one game and it’s really important we don’t get carried away.
“We need to maintain that level of performance. It’s a great day and a fantastic results. We’ll soak it up and enjoy, but it’s definitely not enough. It’s never enough.”
They made me proud
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:45 , Mike JonesMore from Carrick who added: “I said yesterday, Old Trafford is a magic place and it certainly was today. We all felt that.
“They’re a wonderful team and it’s not for me to pick them apart publicly. We wanted to play to our strengths: we needed to be compact and keep the distances short between positions, and I thought the front four were fantastic. It was everything we hoped for and hence we got a good result.
“I had a real sense before the game of how desperate the players were to give success to the supporters. If anything I was more concerned that feeling [might spill over]. They managed the emotional side of the game unbelievably well. That made me proud.”
Michael Carrick's post match reaction
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:41 , Mike JonesThe Man Utd boss said: “I don’t want to get carried away with all that DNA stuff. We wanted to play well today; we wanted to put things into the game that we felt would help us to do that.
“We defended well as a team and when we had the ball I thought we looked dangerous.
“It’s an easy thing to say, but we couldn’t have asked for any more.
“The boys gave everything in so many ways: three days to prepare, little bits of information here and there, they took everything on board tactically and emotionally they were able to deal with the game exactly as we hoped.”
Man Utd created the better chances
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:37 , Mike JonesOther than possession, of which City had 68%, Man Utd dominated in most of the other areas.
They had 11 shots compared to City’s seven and seven of those were on target.
City did not have a shot on target at all in the second half.
United’s xG was also 2.03 with City’s low at 0.45.
United’s players also covered more distance and spent more time sprinting around the pitch.
Can Man City still win the title?
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:33 , Mike JonesMan City’s manager added: "It is about how we grow up as a team. I have the feeling we have done very good things so far.
“To be better you may have to take a step back. The season is a long way and you have to continue to analyse."
Should Dalot have been shown a red card?
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:29 , Mike Jones"You could say that, you could say that red card, different game,” Pep Guardiola said.
“Many, many situations happen. It is easy for me to come here and say it should be a red card.
“It is not about that, we will not grow up if that is the argument to win or lose a game. To do you have to do better and we didn't today."
Guardiola on the crowd noise
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:25 , Mike Jones"They started really strong, we lost one or two balls. The crowd is normal, because it is a derby,” Guardiola added.
“In many years they have been behind them and also with the new manager it is normal these kind of things in the game.
"We never made a threat or a cross or a movement to try and win that. It is also part of the energy, win or lose it is about what we do with the ball as well, not just without.
"It is not about one player."
The better team won
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:21 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola conceded that his Manchester City side were not at the races during this contest and that United deserved to win.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game he said: "The better team won. They were better. When a team is better you have to accept it. They had the energy we didn't have, so congratulations.
"They had the chances at the end and of course the goals we conceded were poorly. We didn't control but in general we can talk about this action or that action. We have the duty to analyse the game in general and they were better."
What had changed at Man Utd?
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:17 , Mike JonesMbeumo was, of course, away on international duty when Ruben Amorim was sacked.
He returned to Old Trafford with the club undergoing more change.
He said: "When I came back a lot of things changed. I think we have a very good group. We always stick together. We have a fantastic unit, so it is unbelievable.
"It is a bit of everything. It is not easy because we only had three days. Because we are all together, we all want to win the same way with the same aim."
It's a special day
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:13 , Mike JonesBryan Mbeumo was asked if scoring in front of the Stretford End made this the most special day of his Man Utd career so far.
He replied: "I think it's one of them. Scoring in front of this stand is unbelievable.
“Derby is even more and like Licha [Martinez] said, we used the energy of the fans today. This place was unbelievable today."
Should Dalot have been sent off?
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:09 , Mike Jones"After a day like today, I don't think we have any excuses. It was a really bad performance from us,” Bernardo Silva revealed.
"I saw the challenge, it is what it is. This season the 50-50 decisions all go against us. They all go for our rivals.
“At the end of the day this was not the reason. I watched the clip it is a red card."
More from Bernardo Silva
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:05 , Mike Jones"Since I arrived here in England we have always been a very controlled team,” he added.
“There was a lot of things missing from us. Definitely a bad day for us.”
Man Utd deserved to win
Saturday 17 January 2026 15:01 , Mike JonesBernardo Silva praised his opponents for their performance this afternoon in his post match reaction.
The Man City captain said: "They deserved to win today.
"They had more energy and intention. It always felt like they were close to score and we were never there.
"We gave them what they want. They took the game to where they are good and we are not so good.”
The is the Man Utd DNA
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:57 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney gave his thoughts to BBC Sport in the aftermath of Man Utd’s win.
He said: “Obviously I’m absolutely delighted. I think the team spirit, the work rate, the energy, everything about that team was fantastic today. I’m absolutely buzzing for the players, for the fans - the fans have been starved of that over the last few years. I know it’s only one performance but I think everyone could see how exciting that team can be.
“You hear everyone, especially us as ex-players, talk about the United DNA and that has just shown what it is. Work rate off the ball, wingers getting back filling in and helping out the full-backs.
“And the goals; crosses in the box and desire to get on the end of it. The first goal, counter-attack, sitting in and breaking fast - that is the United DNA and that was what we've been missing. And hopefully this continues.”
Martinez on Carrick's advice
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:53 , Mike Jones"I think one important thing that Michael Carrick said was 'use the energy of the people' and today I think we did it and when we are together like this it is impossible to lose at home,” Lisandro Martinez added.
"When you play against these kind of players, the team defend. Not just one or two players. Today we defend so good, we were compact all the times.
“And then you have the confidence to go to the duels. Today you feel a different energy when you see the eyes of the players. Today the team won and that is the most important thing."
Unbelievable scenes
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:49 , Mike Jones"Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Being here with the fans, with the team we really know how we suffer during the season,” Lisandro Martinez told Sky Sports as he soaked in the atmosphere of Old Trafford after half-time.
“But the only way is putting the face here and showing here who we are.
“Today is the best moment to do it. Not just the players on the pitch, the staff, everyone was part of that.”
That performance was needed
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:45 , Mike JonesGary Neville reacted to Man Utd’s victory and says that the performance was more crucial than the goals scored and points won.
Speaking on Sky Sports he reflected: “Absolutely incredible day.
“The goals help, the result helps, but my goodness was that performance needed. Michael Carrick has played in great United teams, he knows what it looks like.
“To put that into a team in three days - this is not a time to get carried away because United have had so many false starts.
“But it is massively encouraging to say the least.”
What it means
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:41 , Mike JonesManchester United’s victory has ramifications on the title race as well as the race for the Champions League spots.
United jump up to fourth in the table but their immediate competitors will play later today.
Man City meanwhile are six points off Arsenal but have handed the Gunners the chance to extend that to nine if they beat Nottingham Forest this evening.
A perfect day for Carrick
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:37 , Mike JonesRoy Keane praised Michael Carrick and the Manchester United players after the game.
Ahead of kick off he was adamant that United have to win to turn around the feeling at the club.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Keane said: “It has been a perfect afternoon for United. It is not as if they got lucky.
“They dominated the game, they scored two and could have scored more.
“The top players turned up, like Bruno. Players had a big impact. City are a little bit off it. They lack intensity.
“It has been perfect for him [Michael Carrick].”
Emphatic in the end from United
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:33 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordEmphatic in the end from United. They were too quick, too powerful and too relentless for City.
“It is a dream start for Carrick and he got his big calls right: first in selection, then in substitutions.
“If this suggests United can finish in the top five, it also makes it very likely City will not be champions.”
Full-time: Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:28 , Lawrence OstlereVictory for United in the derby, and for Michael Carrick in his first game back in the dugout. Sensational by the hosts, disastrous for the visitors. Is the title race almost done?
Goal ruled out!
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:25 , Lawrence OstlereCunha, I think, must have been offside in the build up. Still 2-0.
GOAL! Man Utd 3-0 Man City (Mount, 90+2 mins)
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:23 , Lawrence OstlereThe best Man United performance in months, possibly years, is capped off with a slick third. Amad slides Cunha through on goal and the Brazilian takes an unselfish option, crossing low for Mason Mount to tap into an empty net. City at sixes and sevens, all over the place.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:22 , Lawrence Ostlere90+1 mins: More changes by Carrick, as Shaw and Fernandes are replaced by Mount and Heaven.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:21 , Lawrence Ostlere89 mins: Post! Amad is in a race with Ake on the counterattack, one on one, and wins the battle. He bursts to the edge of the box and gets a shot away while off balance, but it bounces back off the woodwork!
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:19 , Lawrence Ostlere87 mins: A spell of City pressure ends in a poor shot by Rico Lewis.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:15 , Lawrence Ostlere85 mins: Reijnders gets to the byline and crosses low through the six-yard box, but no City player is there to finish.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:14 , Lawrence Ostlere83 mins: Mainoo tries a dribble into the box but slips at the last moment and loses the ball. City come forwards again, but look out of energy and ideas.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:11 , Lawrence Ostlere81 mins: Carrick makes a change of his own as Casemiro is replaced by Ugarte.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:11 , Lawrence Ostlere80 mins: Guardiola makes a triple change. Silva, Doku and Haaland are all replaced – the latter looks surprised – by Reijnders, Ait-Nouri and Mikasa.
GOAL! Man Utd 2-0 Man City (Dorgu, 76 mins)
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:07 , Lawrence OstlereWow, wow. Cunha shuffles to the byline and swings in a pretty hopeful cross, and somehow Dorgu is allowed to steal a yard in the box and knock it home from close range. Poor defending, but United won’t care.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:05 , Lawrence Ostlere74 mins: Lewis is in the book after pulling back Dorgu. City look like they are running out of ideas, here.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:03 , Lawrence Ostlere72 mins: Casemiro takes a bump to the face and the game is briefly paused. He looks OK to continue.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:01 , Lawrence Ostlere71 mins: Substitution by Carrick, as Mbeumo, just back from Afcon, is replaced by Matheus Cunha.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:00 , Lawrence Ostlere70 mins: Dalot heads it behind and Cherki takes the corner, which United scramble clear.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 14:00 , Lawrence Ostlere69 mins: City have a free-kick in a good position on the left wing. Cherki stands over it, looking to cross...
Mbeumo goal vindicates Carrick
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:57 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordIt was something of a surprise when Benjamin Sesko was benched but Bryan Mbeumo's goal has vindicated Michael Carrick - he wanted the quickest possible striker and that has been the Cameroonian.”
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Man City (Mbeumo, 65 mins)
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:56 , Lawrence OstlereThere it is!! United race forwards on the counter after a City free-kick, with Fernandes carrying the ball through the centre of the pitch as City defenders back off. He has Amad to his right but chooses Mbeumo to his left and it’s a good decision as the forward drills the ball past Donnarumma. The goalkeeper gets a finger on it, but it’s not enough.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:53 , Lawrence Ostlere62 mins: Another fantastic save by Donnarumma, as Mbeumo turns Fernandes’s cross on target at close range but the big keeper sticks out a hand to push it clear.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:51 , Lawrence Ostlere59 mins: Lewis tries to slide Semenyo into the box but his pass is off and it runs through to Lammens.
Donnarumma is a big-match player
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:50 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThat terrific double save by Donnarumma was a reminder of why City signed him.
“He is a real big-match player.
“And while James Trafford did make one outstanding save at Newcastle on Tuesday, it was notable that when Donnarumma joined he went straight into the team - and debuted in September's Manchester derby.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:49 , Lawrence Ostlere57 mins: Huge double save! Amad cuts inside and fires a shot which Donnarumma parries away, but only into the path of Casemiro in the six-yard box. The midfielder just needs to poke it home but somehow the keeper sticks out a boot and saves the shot while lying on the ground! Wow. Casemiro can’t believe it and Donnarumma celebrates wildly.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:47 , Lawrence Ostlere56 min: Casemiro picks out Fernandes in the box in space, but the United captain can’t bring the ball under his spell.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:46 , Lawrence Ostlere54 mins: City with lots of the ball and the territory in this second half, but United are carrying some threat on the counter. There’s a great tempo to this game, really enjoyable to watch. It just needs a goal.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:45 , Lawrence Ostlere52 mins: Semenyo slides in Haaland in the box, who takes a right-footed shot, but it’s well blocked by a sliding Martinez.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:41 , Lawrence Ostlere49 mins: Bruno Fernandes tries an early ball over the top for Mbeumo, but it doesn’t find its target.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:39 , Lawrence OstlerePep Guardiola makes two changes: Phil Foden and Max Alleyne are replaced by Rayan Cherki and Nico O'Reilly.
O’Reilly is immediately booked for pulling back Amad Diallo.
Kick-off! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:38 , Lawrence OstlereUnderway in the second half at Old Trafford.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:34 , Lawrence OstlereMan United star Ella Toone was on the pitch at half-time being celebrated for her recent MBE. Now here come the players for the second half...
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:29 , Mike JonesIs Haaland injured?
There’s a slight worry for Pep Guardiola as Erling Haaland limps off the pitch later than everyone else at half-time.
He was checked by Luke Shaw right on the whistle and had been rubbing his right leg.
It just looks like impact pain but we’ll see if he comes back out for the second half.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:25 , Mike JonesMan City had 72% possession in that half and managed four shots.
Man Utd had four shots as well but two of those were on target compared to just the one for City.
Interestingly the xG for both teams is quite similar.
0.38 for United and 0.32 for City.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:21 , Mike JonesMan Utd had all of the best chances in the first half but weren’t able to get themselves in front.
Still, it’s been a promising 45 minutes for Michael Carrick’s men.
Half-time! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:17 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick will be the happier of the two managers but the game remains goalless.
Pep Guardiola hasn’t had the kind of control his team usually does.
Plenty to think about during the break.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:15 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play before the end of the first half.
Carrick's gameplan on display
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:14 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThe two United disallowed goals show part of Carrick's gameplan - balls over the top to spring the City offside trap.
“Fernandes was at least closer to being onside than Amad.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:12 , Mike Jones41 mins: Disallowed!
Lisandro Martinez dinks a pass over the top s Bruno Fernandes makes a run in behind Nathan Ake.
Like Amad before him, the United captain takes the ball past Donnarumma and slots it home only for the offside flag to go up.
City’s high line is working for them!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:10 , Mike Jones39 mins: Antoine Semenyo has scored twice in his first two appearances for Man City.
He almost does so again as Luke Shaw is too slow to close him down.
On the front edge of the box, Semenyo receives the ball and then curls a fine effort just wide of the far corner!
United's threat comes from direct running
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:08 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordUnited's threat has tended to come from the direct running and speed of Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo on either flank.
“It is notable, however, that while they are defending in a 4-4-2 shape it is often with Bruno Fernandes on the right of the midfield four while Amad stays further forward.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:07 , Mike Jones36 mins: Save!
Senne Lammens gives away a soft corner and is almost punished for it.
Foden swings it over to Doku who nods the ball back across goal.
Max Alleyne is there to head it a goal but Lammens redeems himself by leaping to the left to keep it out!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:04 , Mike Jones33 mins: Disallowed!
Man Utd are causing massive problems for City’s back line.
Mbeumo spins the ball out to Fernandes on the right channel and the captain laces it forward to Diallo bombing past the defence.
Diallo carries the ball around Donnarumma and rolls it into the back of the net but the offside flag goes up immediately.
VAR checks it and it’s clearly the correct decision.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 13:00 , Mike Jones30 mins: There’s a couple of slight delays for VAR checks.
One against a foul from Mainoo and one for a potential handball from Khusanov in the City box. Neither incidents cause concern.
Amad Diallo collects a fizzing pass from Casemiro on the right wing.
He drives into the box but a back-tracking Doku takes the ball off him.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:57 , Mike Jones27 mins: City turn the ball over in midfield and drive forward through Phil Foden.
He slips it to Doku who runs into trouble on the edge of the box and loses possession.
United are sitting back and counter-attacking
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:55 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordApart from that Dorgu shot a couple of minutes back, City have had more possession in the last 10 minutes or so, quite a bit of it in the United half.
“It does feel like, in such games, United will resort to sitting back and then counter-attacking at pace - which is how they got most of their best results under both Ruben Amorim and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:54 , Mike Jones24 mins: The best chances of the match have come to Man Utd.
Bernardo Silva had a moment in which he headed a Semenyo cross over the bar but the hosts have been quick and direct when in possession.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:53 , Mike Jones23 mins: Save!
United continue to push forward and this time a cross is floated in from the right wing.
The ball drops on the far side of the box and is met by Patrick Dorgu who takes a quick shot.
He’s close to goal and finds the target but Donnarumma sticks out a hand and palms the effort away!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:51 , Mike Jones21 mins: Man City have settled after a shaky start but United are doing their best to maintain pressure, especially in the centre of the pitch.
Mainoo slices a pass out to the right wing for Dalot to drive forward. He’s got Amad on his right but misdirects his pass and sends the ball out of play.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:47 , Mike Jones18 mins: United win themselves a throw in on the left wing.
Dalot trots over to launch the ball into the box but Rodri is on hand to head the ball away.
Mainoo then recovers the ball in the middle of the pitch. He slips it forward to Dorgu who tussles with Khusanov before going down on the edge of the box.
City work the ball up to Rodri who is clattered by a lunging Luke Shaw.
Shaw goes in the book too.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:45 , Mike Jones15 mins: Luke Shaw puts in some nice defensive work as Erling Haaland carries the ball along the front edge of the box.
Haaland slips it into the area and tries to find Foden but Shaw nicks it first and clears.
Old Trafford is loud
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:42 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordOld Trafford is loud, which is certainly not always the case, and United have made a rousing start.
“City's inexperienced centre-backs have had a couple of tough moments.
“It does feel, too, that it is easier to play this high-tempo football with a back four.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:42 , Mike Jones12 mins: Jeremy Doku wins City a first corner of the game but then gives it straight back to United with a poor delivery.
Doku then takes on Diogo Dalot on the left wing and takes some studs on his knee. He shifts the ball too quickly for the defender who escapes a red card but goes in the book with a yellow.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:39 , Mike Jones9 mins: Nice work from Donnarumma.
Bruno Fernandes attempts to flick the ball behind the City defence and play Mbeumo into the box.
The striker goes sprinting towards the ball but the City goalkeeper is quickly off his line to smother it first.
It’s been a bright start from Man Utd.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:37 , Mike Jones6 mins: Man City look nervous at the back as Max Alleyne is put under pressure by a pressing Bryan Mbeumo.
He manages to offload the ball to Gianluigi Dunnarumma and City aren’t punished.
Instead they work it down the right wing with Antoine Semenyo getting his first run at the back line on his Premier League debut for the club.
He dribbles to the edge of the box but caught pick out a pass.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:33 , Mike Jones3 mins: Abdukodir Khusanov makes a stretching deflection as a cross comes into the City box from the left.
He turns it behind for a corner which Bruno Fernandes whips to the back post.
Harry Maguire is there!
He gets a full head to the ball and pings it onto the crossbar!
A back four for Carrick's United
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:32 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordIt is Carrick's United playing with a back four, as Darren Fletcher's did.
“Though, looking at this team, it was tempting to wonder if it could have been 3-4-3 with Dorgu and Dalot as wing-backs.”
Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:31 , Mike JonesCity get the ball rolling at Old Trafford.
They work it around the back line and try to entice Man Utd forward but they hosts look stable in the midfield and hold their shape.
Man Utd vs Man City
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:26 , Mike JonesThe players stride out onto the pitch to a loud cheer from the watching fans.
Manchester City are the favourites to win this match but there is a feeling that Manchester United can perhaps spring a surprise today.
Kick off is up next...
Unbeaten Carrick
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:20 , Mike JonesThis will be Michael Carrick’s second stint as manager at Manchester United, following his three-game spell in November/December 2021 (won two, drew one).
As a player, Carrick only recorded more wins in the Premier League against Sunderland (16) than he did Manchester City.
Derby day delight
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:15 , Mike JonesOnly against Brighton (8) has Man City’s Phil Foden scored more Premier League goals than he has against Man Utd (7), though just one of his seven strikes against the Red Devils has come at Old Trafford.
City's big threat
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:10 , Mike JonesErling Haaland has been involved in more Premier League goals against Man Utd than any other Man City player (11 – 8 goals, 3 assists).
Guardiola's pre-match thoughts
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:08 , Mike JonesThe Manchester City manager said: "They have an incredible history, Man Utd, so it's always a difficult place to come, but at the same time, we have incredible energy to play well. The past is the past.
“No. They can play with four, defend with five at the back.
"I would love to know exactly what they will try to do - we have to focus on ourselves."
Can Manchester United get over the line?
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:05 , Mike JonesOnly Bournemouth (16), West Ham United (15) and Chelsea (15) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League this season than Manchester United (14).
Manchester City have dropped four points in their last two games, just one fewer than in their first 19 matches of 2025-26 (5).
Carrick on Mainoo
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:03 , Mike JonesThe United head coach was also asked about picking Kobbie Mainoo in the starting XI.
He replied: "I think Kobbie is a fantastic player, he has huge talent, he has huge ability. He has played in some unbelievable big occasions and coped with it.
“He has played for the national team in huge games, as well. I am looking forward to seeing him thrive."
The unthinkable Man City consequence and five vital questions surrounding Premier League case
Saturday 17 January 2026 12:00 , Miguel DelaneyThe Manchester City case could yet go on for at least a year, and potentially much more, according to sources with knowledge of the process. The Independent has also been told the independent panel of three judges have not yet made a decision, as the club themselves revealed with the publication of their annual accounts in December.
Nobody outside that has any idea of when the judges will actually make a ruling - and it is understood they have also been working on other cases. The initial judgement will likely only be on liability, with a “100 per cent expectation” from those close to the situation that City would strongly appeal any outcome they find unfavourable. City insist on their innocence.
The unthinkable consequence and five vital questions over Man City case
Pre-match thoughts from Michael Carrick
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:57 , Mike JonesThe new United boss spoke about returning to the dugout today.
He tld Sky Sports: "Special feeling. You [Gary Neville] know what these kinds of moments mean being involved with the club for so long.
"There is a big role to do and a responsibility and an important one, and I feel that as well. I am ready for that. I am looking forward to it. The boys are ready.
"I am here, and the staff are here to help them, support them and to push them. That was the message. We are all in it together.
"You either thrive and buzz off it. It is so extreme. The extreme when you get it right is incredible, so that is why we're here."
Is a draw the most likely result?
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:55 , Mike JonesManchester City have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, last having a longer run of consecutive draws in October/November 2009 (7).
This will be the first meeting between two sides both on a run of 3+ consecutive Premier League draws since February 2001, with Spurs beating Man City 1-0 in that.
Can Man Utd get over the line?
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:50 , Mike JonesManchester United have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, last having a longer run of consecutive draws in September/October 1992 (5).
Senne Lammens on preparing under Michael Carrick
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:49 , Mike JonesManchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens spoke about this week’s training under Michael Carrick.
He said: "It has been good. It wasn't, of course, the biggest preparation for the game. We have had three days to prepare for the game.
"It is not always the easiest to change some things at such a short notice, but I think the most important part was to make things easier for us, especially tactically and being on the same page.
"Our manager today did that. It is also going to be important to do it on the pitch today – I'm looking forward to it."
A poor run of form
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:45 , Mike JonesManchester United have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League home games against Manchester City, including the last two in a row.
They’ve not gone 3+ home league games without a goal against City since a run of four between December 1911 and September 1914.
Carrick gives Mainoo first league start of the season
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:43 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordA passing midfielder picks a passing midfielder. Michael Carrick marks his first game back in charge of Manchester United by giving Kobbie Mainoo his first Premier League start of the season.
“It could be that Patrick Dorgu is on the left wing and Bryan Mbeumo playing as a striker.
“Benjamin Sesko, fresh from three goals in two games under Darren Fletcher, drops to the bench.
“City are without Matheus Nunes, presumably injured, so the Mancunian Rico Lewis gets a start.”
City thrive at Old Trafford
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:40 , Mike JonesMan City have won more Premier League away games against Man Utd than any other visiting side (9).
Only Liverpool (41) have scored more goals at Old Trafford than Pep Guardiola’s men (37).
Bernardo expecting tough game
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:40 , Mike JonesManchester City captain Bernardo Silva told Sky Sports: "It is definitely a nice place to come, but it is a tough game. It is a derby, we know what it means to both sides, and it is a massive game for us here today.
"We had three draws in the Premier League, so that makes the game even more important for us. We need some of those points back. I would say we are quite stable at the moment even with a few injuries. We have been playing well and we have been consistent.
"We don't know how they're going to play, but the reality is we focus on ourselves. We know that if we play at our level it is also difficult to stop us."
Can Man City shutout Manchester United?
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:35 , Mike JonesManchester United lost the reverse fixture against Man City 3-0 in September.
They last failed to score in both league meetings City in 1973-74, a campaign that saw them relegated from the top-flight.
The Michael Carrick effect that could rediscover the ‘magic’ of Man United
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:30 , Mike JonesThe statement was delivered in Michael Carrick’s more low-key tones but the words could have come from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The other leading candidate to be Manchester United’s head coach until the end of the season is the more openly sentimental. Solskjaer’s belief in the mystical powers of United seemed to survive every setback. He retained a childlike excitement about the club.
Carrick is a quieter character, less inclined to gush. But the latest man to take charge at Old Trafford said: “I've played different roles for this club and learnt to fall in love with the club for so long. It's a massive part of my life and has been for so long.”
The Michael Carrick effect that could rediscover the ‘magic’ of Man United
City lean on attacking quality
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:27 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has selected a suspect back four with Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Alleyne and Nathan Ake making up the defence.
Things are more promising going forward however.
Rodri anchors the midfield in one of three changes from the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The front five are all the same though as Antoine Semenyo makes a Premier League debut for the club with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland all providing threats.
Gianluigi Donnarumma returns as goalkeeper and Lewis is preferred at right-back to Matheus Nunes.
Michael Carrick makes surprising changes
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:23 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick’s first team selection for Manchester United will create some headlines.
The first is that Kobbie Mainoo starts in midfield alongside Casemiro as a holding midfielder.
In defence, Harry Maguire is selected to partner Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw returns at left-back.
Elswhere, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are immediately returned to the line-up after their Afcon exploits.
The big omissions are Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.
Man City starting line-up for derby
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:18 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Your City side for the derby! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 17, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, O'Reilly, McAidoo, Mukasa, Mfuni
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/lNoC8nZc3N
Manchester United team to face Manchester City
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:17 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo
Introducing your derby day Reds ❤️🔥
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
Almost time for team news
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:12 , Mike JonesThe official line-ups for today’s derby will be dropping in just a few minutes.
How will Michael Carrick set up the Manchester United team for his return to Old Trafford?
Will Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both start due to their previous successes against their rivals?
We’re about to find out.
As things stand
Saturday 17 January 2026 11:06 , Mike JonesManchester United come into the match sitting seventh in the league table and three points behind Liverpool in fourth.
The Red Devils will actually enter the top four should they beat Man City today though they may not remain there for long given the rest of the fixtures this weekend.
For City, they are second and six points behind leaders Arsenal. In order to put pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, Pep Guardiola’s men must collect three points and force the Gunners to respond when they face Nottingham Forest this evening.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
