Manchester City have long been billed as "the Kings of Manchester," a claim that has sparked heated debate as the two giants prepare to clash in the upcoming Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The notion of City’s supremacy was amplified when the club secured the £116 million signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson during the summer transfer window.
Anderson himself weighed in on the topic in an interview for the club’s official website, stating, "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. It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that." City manager Enzo Maresca echoed Anderson’s sentiment, pointing out that the player’s perspective is shaped by the club’s recent dominance.
"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," Maresca explained. "If you go back further, the picture changes, but during his formative years City were the dominant force." Maresca also highlighted the unique intensity of a derby between two clubs that share a city. "It’s special because it’s two teams in the same city.
It’s special for the fans, the club, for everyone," he said in a Sky Sports interview. "I’m very excited. These are the games I love.
We know it will be a tough contest. Since Michael [Carrick] took over they’ve done a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by being ourselves and going out to try to win." Former United captain Michael Carrick, now the Red Devils’ head coach, recalls a time when City were dismissed as "noisy neighbours" by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. Carrick admits the rivalry has intensified dramatically as City amassed Premier League titles and derby victories.
"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," he told Sky Sports. One of the pivotal moments Carrick points to is Vincent Kompany’s header in April 2012, which secured a crucial win for City just weeks before they clinched the league on the final day.
"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 like a big moment," Carrick said.
"That’s the one we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most." Carrick also reminisces about memorable derby moments for United. He recalls the 2010 League Cup semi‑final when United turned the tide late, with goals from himself and Wayne Rooney, and the dramatic last‑minute winner by Robin van Persie at the Etihad in December 2012, which secured a league win for United. "When Michael Owen scored that one at the Stratford End in September 2009," he added, as well as Rooney’s spectacular overhead kick in 2011, which he described as "a special one." Now, as head coach, Carrick hopes to add new chapters to that history.
"There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday," he said, emphasizing the stakes for United’s season. Former England international Paul Merson, speaking for Sky Sports, summed up the pressure on United: "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 – that’s 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." Fans have weighed in with a variety of opinions. One user, shree, argued that City’s recent success is fueled by oil money and a world‑class coach, while United’s continued relevance in the conversation proves their greatness. Argyle loyal claimed that the era of United as the city’s monarch ended with Ferguson’s departure, leaving City on the throne. Aaron s highlighted United’s historic record, noting their 300th Champions League win and a larger trophy cabinet, asserting that United will always be the true kings of Manchester despite City’s recent rise.
PeteUK joked about United fans previously mocking Liverpool, suggesting the tables have turned dramatically. Woop observed that City may be the stronger side over the past 15 years, but United remains the bigger club, though a league title for United seems unlikely in the near future. Finally, Shanepancho778, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, declared that Manchester is now definitively “blue” and will stay that way, referencing the decline of United after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. The upcoming derby therefore represents more than three points; it is a battle for symbolic supremacy, a clash of histories, and a test of each club’s current trajectory.
Whether City’s recent dominance or United’s storied legacy will prevail remains to be seen, but the match promises to deliver drama, passion, and a clear answer to the question: who truly wears the crown in Manchester?