Alex MacQuoid
The Manchester derby returns on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with Manchester United hosting Manchester City at Old Trafford. It’s one of the most watched fixtures of the season and draws global attention every time these sides meet.
Kick-off is scheduled for 13:30 CET, placing the match in the lunchtime slot for UK viewers. Sky Sports will carry the game live in Britain, while NBC Sports provides coverage across the United States. Fans in other regions can access the match through a range of official broadcasters.
Alongside the official options, many supporters also search for ways to watch the game for free, especially if they don’t have access to a subscription service.
Match details at a glance
- Fixture: Manchester United vs Manchester City
- Competition: Premier league
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Kick-off: 13:30 CET, Saturday, January 17, 2026
Kick-off times by region
| Region / Country | Local Time |
|---|---|
| UK | 12:30 (GMT) |
| USA (ET) | 07:30 (EST) |
| USA (PT) | 04:30 (PST) |
| Australia (Sydney) | 23:30 (AEDT) |
| Japan | 21:30 (JST) |
| India | 18:00 (IST) |
How fans try to watch the match for free
There is no official free worldwide stream for this fixture, but fans often explore a few common alternatives. Availability can vary depending on location, timing, and platform.
1. Bookmaker streaming platforms
Some licensed betting websites provide live football streams to registered users, including selected league matches.
General requirements usually include:
- Creating and logging into an account
- Having a positive balance or placing a recent bet
- Accessing the service from a supported country
- Streams being available only for certain competitions
We do not guarantee that this match will be available as a video stream on bookmaker sites. Coverage can depend on regional rights and platform decisions.
When available, these streams are usually simple and may not include full pre-match or post-match coverage.
2. Using a VPN to access foreign broadcasts
Some viewers use VPN services to access broadcasters from other countries where the match is shown.
Things to be aware of:
- Many streaming platforms attempt to block VPN traffic
- A valid subscription is still required
- Payment methods may need to match the broadcaster’s region
- Streaming performance can vary
This method can work in some cases, but access is not guaranteed.
3. Unofficial streaming websites
Unofficial streaming sites are widely known and often shared around matchday.
Availability and quality can vary greatly, and streams may change or stop during the game. We do not guarantee that the match will be shown on these sites or that the broadcast will remain stable.
Official broadcasters showing Man Utd vs Man City
For viewers looking for guaranteed access and full coverage, these are the official broadcasters carrying the match by region.
| Country / Region | Official Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| UK | Sky Sports (Sky Go, NOW) |
| USA | NBC Sports (Peacock, NBC channels) |
| Canada | TSN / Sportsnet |
| Australia | Optus Sport |
| China | CCTV5 / iQiyi / Migu |
| Germany | Sky |
| Denmark | Viaplay |
| Spain / Portugal | DAZN |
| France | Amazon Prime Video / Canal+ |
| Poland | Canal+ |
| Ukraine | Setanta Sports |
| Japan | U-NEXT |
| Africa | SuperSport |
| Latin America | Disney+ |
Things to check before kick-off
- Confirm the local kick-off time in your region
- Check whether your broadcaster requires a subscription or login
- Test your stream or app ahead of kick-off
- Have a backup option ready if possible
Final word
Man Utd vs Man City is one of the standout fixtures on the football calendar, and there are multiple ways to follow the action depending on your location.
Official broadcasters offer the most reliable coverage, while free options may be available in certain cases with varying levels of access. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of catching the match from the first whistle.