Manchester derby: Manchester City aim to maintain perfect start against Manchester United

Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September 2026, in the first Manchester derby of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 GMT, with City arriving as league leaders after winning each of their opening three matches. Manchester United, by contrast, are 11th after one victory, one draw and one defeat.

The match will be shown in France on Canal+ Live 1 and myCanal; in Belgium on Proximus Pickx, Play Sports 1 and Play Sports; in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Ultra HD; in Germany and Austria on Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Go and WOW; in Spain on DAZN; in Italy on DAZN; in the Netherlands on Viaplay Netherlands; in Poland on Canal+ and Canal+ Extra 1; in Portugal on DAZN Portugal; across sub-Saharan Africa on SuperSport; and in the Maghreb and Middle East on beIN Sports.

Contrasting starts to the season

Manchester City, now managed by Enzo Maresca, have made an ideal start to their league campaign. Their strong form was also evident in Europe, where they beat FC Porto 2-0 in the Champions League.

Manchester United have had a less convincing beginning in the Premier League, but they responded emphatically in European competition by defeating Sabah 4-0.

The derby will be the 4th-day fixture for both sides and offers United the opportunity to use home advantage against their in-form neighbours.

City have edged recent meetings

The rivalry has produced more than 190 official matches since 1881. Manchester United remain ahead in the overall number of victories, helped by the prolonged period of success enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Recent history, however, has favoured Manchester City. Under Pep Guardiola, City have won significant matches and collected major honours against their traditional rivals.

Across the clubs’ past 10 meetings, Manchester United have recorded four victories, Manchester City have won five, and one game has ended in a draw.

Prediction and match details

City’s perfect league record and position at the top of the table make them the favourites. United’s record at Old Trafford means a home victory cannot be discounted, while a draw is also considered a realistic outcome.

The Africafoot prediction is a 2-2 draw in what is expected to be a closely contested match.

The encounter takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September 2026, at 15:30 GMT. The betting company 1xbet lists Manchester United at 3.00 to win, a draw at 3.60 and Manchester City at 2.05.