Alex MacQuoid
The 198th Manchester derby lands in Premier League Round 22 with major stakes at both ends of the title race. Manchester City arrive second, six points off leaders Arsenal, knowing they cannot afford another slip after three straight league draws. Manchester United sit seventh and need points to keep Champions League qualification within reach. It is also Michael Carrick’s first competitive match back in charge at Old Trafford, thrown straight into the league’s most intense rivalry.
Match Preview
Manchester United enter the derby in upheaval after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim manager on January 13, 2026. United are seventh with 32 points from 21 matches and have won only one of their last seven competitive games, drawing their last three league fixtures (Wolves, Leeds, Burnley). The underlying attack has produced strong numbers (38.3 xG, third in the league), but defensive stability has been a problem with just two clean sheets in the last 20 league matches.
Manchester City are still favourites, but their build-up is complicated by a major defensive injury crisis and a run of three consecutive Premier League draws that has opened the door for Arsenal. City are second on 43 points with a league-leading 45 goals scored. Key absences include Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture, surgery), Ruben Dias (hamstring), John Stones (thigh), plus Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Oscar Bobb. Omar Marmoush is also unavailable due to AFCON duty. Pep Guardiola may be forced into an unfamiliar defensive setup, potentially even a back three.
History adds extra edge: this is the second and final league meeting of the season, played at Old Trafford where City have won eight of their last 12 away games and are unbeaten in their last three visits. United’s set-piece threat (15 goals from free-kicks and corners, second in the league) looks like a key route against a reshuffled City back line.
Where to watch on TV & Live Stream
Kick-off is at 13:30 CET on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Old Trafford. In the UK, Sky Sports will show the lunchtime match live. In the USA, coverage runs through NBC Sports outlets and streaming. Across parts of Europe, broadcasters include Sky (Germany) and Viaplay (Denmark).
| Region/Country | Kick-off Time (Local) |
| 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 to watch Manchester United vs Manchester City online
Streaming options depend on your territory. In the UK, Sky customers can stream the match on Sky Go. Cord-cutters can watch via NOW, with pricing listed in the dossier at around £11.99 for a day pass, or Sky Sports bundles typically £25–35 per month depending on package. In the USA, NBC’s coverage is available on Peacock (listed at $5.99/month with ads or $11.99/month ad-free) and may also appear on NBC cable channels depending on scheduling. Most official services use location checks, so you will need an account in the correct region and an active subscription.
| Country | Official Broadcaster/Stream |
| 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) | SuperSport |
| Latin America | Disney+ |
Spotlight Countries
- United Kingdom: Watch live on Sky Sports for the Saturday lunchtime slot. Stream on Sky Go with a Sky subscription or use NOW for flexible passes.
- United States: NBC’s Premier League coverage carries the match, with streaming on Peacock (pricing listed in the dossier). Check NBC’s schedule for the exact channel if you watch via cable.
- Canada: Premier League coverage is carried by TSN and Sportsnet. Confirm which network has this specific fixture on matchday.
- Australia: Stream the derby on Optus Sport, the Premier League rights holder. The late kick-off suits night viewing in Sydney at 23:30 AEDT.
- Germany: Watch on Sky with a 13:30 local kick-off. Sky’s coverage typically includes studio build-up and German commentary.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A VPN can help you access your usual streaming service when you are travelling, by letting you connect to a server in your home country. Use this only in line with local laws and the streaming platform’s terms.
- Step 1: Choose a reputable VPN and install it on your device (iOS, Android, desktop, or compatible smart TV setup).
- Step 2: Connect to a server in the country where your streaming subscription is based (for example, the UK for Sky/NOW).
- Step 3: Open the official app or website, sign in, and start the live stream at 13:30 CET.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Some licensed sportsbooks offer live streams for selected football matches, often including Premier League fixtures in certain territories. The dossier specifically notes Bet365 as a common option, but availability can change by match and country.
- Step 1: Register with a licensed sportsbook that offers streaming in your region.
- Step 2: Make a deposit (many platforms require a funded account to unlock streams).
- Step 3: Find the match in the live section and look for the streaming or “Play” icon close to kick-off.
Manchester United vs Manchester City is one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar, and this edition comes with a new United manager and a patched-up City defence. Kick-off is 13:30 CET at Old Trafford. Check your local listings early so you do not miss the build-up.
- Also read: Best Premier League Betting Sites 2026