Man Utd vs Man City: Kings of Manchester hotly debated ahead of Old Trafford derby showdown
Elliot Anderson called Manchester City the 'Kings of Manchester' but will United dethrone their local rivals at Old Trafford this weekend? Watch Man Utd vs Man City live on Sky Sports from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm.
Friday 11 September 2026 16:27, UK
Manchester City have been "the Kings of Manchester".
That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.
Is Anderson right? Does City's huge recent success mean they rule the roost? Or are Manchester United still No 1?
What did Anderson say?
Anderson was asked about the Manchester derby during an interview with Manchester City's official club website this 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."
Maresca 'excited' by 'special' Manchester derby
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says Anderson's verdict rings true in recent years.
"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."
- Premier League fixtures & scores | FREE PL highlights▶️
- Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱
- Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Maresca outlined the importance of these Manchester match-ups to all involved.
"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're doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win."
Carrick on how the derby changed
Michael Carrick was a Manchester United player when City were labelled "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. But the current United head coach says City's subsequent Premier League wins and triumphs in the derby have ramped up the rivalry.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said: "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 pinpoints Vincent Kompany's derby winner in April 2012 - a month before City's last-day Premier League title triumph - as a key moment in the duel for supremacy in Manchester.
"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."
There have been glorious derby days for United, too, which Carrick remembers more fondly.
"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."
Carrick is now hoping to add to that list. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday."
Expert view: Man Utd season in the balance, says Merson
Sky Sports' Paul Merson:
Manchester United have got the Manchester derby - and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Manchester City, you're flying. If you get beat by Manchester City, here we go again.
It would be one point from two games including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you.
So I am worried - and this is why I didn't put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing's changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you.
Your Views...
shree: City have won a lot recently and you know it's all because of oil money and a world class coach. United haven't been best in recent years but the point we are still doing this comparison itself shows how great a club Manchester United are which City won't be able to be.
Argyle loyal: At this moment in time it's definitely City, the days of United being kings of Manchester went when Fergie left.
Aaron s: I think it has to be Man U. Look at their history. Man U just played and won their 300th Champions League game. Look at the amount of trophies they have won compared to Manchester City. City may have become bigger recently but Man U are and will always be the kings of Manchester.
PeteUK: Remember when United fans jumped on Liverpool fans for 'living in the past'? How the tables have dramatically turned, United are Kings like Arthur: relegated to history books.
Woop: I think City are the better side and have been over the last 15 years but Manchester United are a bigger football club. I don't see United winning a league for a long time though whereas city will.
Shanepancho778: As a lifelong Liverpool fan it's nice to finally say that Manchester is definitely blue and will be for the foreseeable future. Those glory days left in 2013 when Ferguson retired.
