Old Trafford Set for Manchester Derby as United Host City in Premier League Clash

Old Trafford will host one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season this afternoon as Manchester United will face Manchester City in the highlight of Matchday 22.

Manchester United go into the derby sitting seventh in the table with 32 points, while Manchester City occupy second place on 43 points as they continue their pursuit of the title. 

City, however, will be without Egyptian international Omar Marmoush, who is currently representing Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The match marks the beginning of Michael Carrick’s tenure as Manchester United’s head coach, with the former midfielder facing an immediate baptism of fire. 

The derby against City is followed by an equally daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal in the next round, making it one of the toughest starts imaginable for the inexperienced manager.

Carrick takes charge amid ongoing instability at Old Trafford, following the dismissal of Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim last week, the latest in a long line of managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. 

Carrick previously served as United’s interim manager in 2021, guiding the team through three matches without defeat. 

His most recent coaching experience came with Middlesbrough in the Championship between 2022 and 2025. 

His current contract runs until the end of the season, giving the club time to assess long-term options amid prolonged struggles.

United will be eager to restore confidence among their supporters after being booed off following an early FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton. 

With 17 league matches remaining, Carrick’s immediate task is to steady performances and deliver results that can lift morale around the club.

Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive with ambitions of competing for silverware on all fronts this season. 

Pep Guardiola’s side already defeated United 3-0 earlier in the campaign at the Etihad Stadium, when Amorim was still in charge of the Red Devils, and will be aiming to repeat that dominance to maintain pressure at the top of the table.