All eyes are on Old Trafford as Manchester United host Manchester City in the 198th Manchester derby. This Premier League clash, one of the world's biggest derbies, sees the Red Devils, now under the temporary charge of Michael Carrick, lock horns with a City side looking to continue their strong form. The game kicks off at 12:30 PM GMT.
Carrick's appointment follows the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, and this marks his second stint as interim manager at Old Trafford. He previously oversaw a three-match unbeaten run in late 2021. Carrick inherits a United side sitting seventh in the Premier League table, three points off the top four, despite only managing one win in their last six league matches.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, arrive in good form, having responded well after a run of league draws. They thrashed Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup and secured a 2-0 away win against Newcastle United in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. City's January signing, Antoine Semenyo, has made an immediate impact, and the team is currently on a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions. City sits second in the league, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
In the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in September, Manchester City comfortably defeated United 3-0. Erling Haaland scored twice in that match, with Phil Foden also contributing. Manchester United have struggled for goals in recent home derbies, failing to score in four of their last five Premier League home games against City. They have not scored in the last two such encounters. In fact, City has won nine Premier League away matches at Old Trafford, more than any other visiting team.
United has drawn each of their last three league games, a run they have not had since the early 1990s, and have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions. City is unbeaten in their last four league derbies against United.
This is the 198th Manchester derby in all competitions. United have won 79 of these contests, with City claiming 62 victories. The first match between the two clubs was in 1894, in the old Second Division, with United winning 5-2. Last season's Premier League encounter at Old Trafford resulted in a 0-0 draw.
