Manchester Derby: Who really rules Manchester?
By Joel Masibo, September 12, 2026The battle for Manchester supremacy will take centre stage at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with Manchester City arriving as the club widely regarded as the dominant force in the city in recent years.
The debate was reignited by City’s £116 million (about Ksh20.28 billion) summer signing Elliot Anderson, who described City as the “Kings of Manchester” during a pre-season interview.
His assessment has generated plenty of discussion ahead of the latest Manchester derby, with Manchester United looking to challenge City’s recent dominance when the two sides meet.
Anderson’s verdict
Anderson was asked about the importance of the derby after joining Manchester City during the summer.
“It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester,” Anderson said.
“It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”
City manager Enzo Maresca believes Anderson’s opinion is understandable given the period in which the midfielder grew up.
“Probably the reason why Elliot said that was that he grew up in the last 15 years, Manchester City were unbelievable with what they achieved. It’s normal Elliot said that,” said Maresca.
“If you go back, then it’s a different picture but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant.”
City’s achievements over the past decade and a half have transformed the balance of power in Manchester, with the club collecting major domestic and European honours during that period.
However, Maresca acknowledged that the historical picture is considerably more balanced.
Maresca looking forward to derby
For Maresca, the significance of the fixture extends beyond the league table and recent results.
“It’s special because it’s two teams in the same city. It’s special for the fans, the club, for everyone,” said Maresca.
“I’m very excited. These are the games I like. These are the games we want. We know it’s going to be a tough game. Since Michael Carrick took over they are doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win.”
United manager Michael Carrick has experienced the rivalry from both sides of the divide, having been a player at Old Trafford during a period when City were still regarded as United’s less-established neighbours.
He believes the derby has changed significantly over the years as City’s success has grown.
Carrick recalls key derby moments
“When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn’t like it is now.
“In 20 years, it’s kind of grown, it’s developed, it’s changed a little bit over the years.”
Carrick identified City’s 2012 victory over United, when Vincent Kompany scored the decisive goal, as one of the moments that significantly altered the rivalry.
“The one where we ended up losing the league, when Kompany scored the header towards the end of the season. We had a bit of a lead and then we lost it, and then we lost it at the end of the season. That felt quite a big moment,” he said.
“That’s just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most.”
Despite those painful memories, Carrick also has several positive derby moments to look back on from his playing career.
“Probably the 2010 League Cup semi-final is up there, when we won late and I scored and Wayne Rooney scored a header. That was a good day.
“Robin (Van Persie) scoring in the last minute (in the Premier League win at the Etihad in December 2012) the last time we won the league.
“When Michael Owen scored that one at the Stratford End (in September 2009).”
“Wayne’s overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one! That was a special one.”
Now in the United dugout, Carrick wants another memorable derby victory to add to his collection.
“There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday.”
City have the recent edge, United have the history
The argument over which club deserves to be called the “Kings of Manchester” largely depends on the period being considered.
City have enjoyed an extraordinary run of success in the modern era, establishing themselves among the leading clubs in English and European football. United, however, remain the historically more decorated club and enjoyed decades of dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson.
That contrast has made the question particularly difficult to settle.
City’s supporters can point to their recent Premier League success and repeated victories over United, while United fans can highlight the club’s enormous trophy haul, European achievements and longstanding status in English football.
The latest derby therefore offers more than three points.
For City, victory would further reinforce their claim to be Manchester’s leading club in the current era. For United, a win at Old Trafford would provide Carrick’s side with an opportunity to challenge that perception and produce a significant statement of their own.
With both sides under pressure to make a strong start to the campaign, Sunday’s meeting promises to provide another important chapter in the long-running battle for Manchester supremacy.