| Manchester United vs Manchester City | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester United vs Manchester City
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
17 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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06.00 PM IST
04.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Old Trafford |
Manchester Derby Carries “Absolutely Huge” Importance, Says City Analyst
The upcoming 198th Manchester derby is of major significance for both Manchester United and Manchester City, according to City-focused analyst Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany.
Speaking ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League meeting at Old Trafford, McInerney stressed that the fixture carries far more weight than local bragging rights, with both teams under pressure to collect maximum points at a crucial stage of the season.
Manchester United will enter the derby under the guidance of new interim head coach Michael Carrick, who was appointed earlier this week. The Red Devils are aiming to halt a run of three consecutive league draws and recover from a 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
United have won just one of their last six Premier League matches and currently sit seventh in the table. However, they remain only three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth place, meaning Champions League qualification is still a realistic objective with 17 league fixtures remaining.
Manchester City, meanwhile, travel across town buoyed by recent cup success. Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup before earning a 2-0 first-leg win away to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Despite those results, City have drawn their last three Premier League matches, allowing title rivals Arsenal to establish a six-point lead at the top of the table. As a result, the defending champions are now playing catch-up in the title race.
McInerney believes that the Old Trafford atmosphere could lift United under their new interim boss but expects City to respond positively to the occasion.
“You can’t ignore the impact of a derby,” he said, suggesting that City’s away setting may sharpen their focus. He also highlighted the potential influence of key City players such as Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Rodri and Bernardo Silva, noting that their experience and quality could prove decisive.
Looking ahead to the likely outcome, McInerney does not foresee a draw, believing the contest will swing decisively one way or the other. In his view, Manchester City could win comfortably if they assert control, while United’s best hope would be to edge a narrow victory driven by home support.
The analyst also expressed a desire to see Rayan Cherki feature prominently for City. The French playmaker has impressed since his summer move from Lyon, registering six goals and nine assists in 24 appearances, including a recent strike in the EFL Cup win at Newcastle.
McInerney believes Cherki’s flair and confidence could make him well suited to the derby atmosphere, describing him as a player capable of thriving on the Old Trafford stage.
The Manchester derby will once again place the spotlight firmly on both clubs, with league position, momentum and local pride all on the line in one of English football’s most high-profile fixtures.