Manchester City have long been billed as the "Kings of Manchester," a claim that gained fresh momentum after the club splashed out £116 million on the promising youngster Elliot Anderson during the summer transfer window. The debate over which side truly wears the crown has intensified as the two giants prepare to clash in the highly anticipated Manchester derby at Old Trafford – a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Is Anderson's assessment accurate? Does the recent avalanche of trophies and dominant performances by City automatically make them the rulers of the city, or does Manchester United still claim the top spot in the eyes of fans and pundits? These questions have been circulating ever since Anderson addressed the derby in an interview with Manchester City’s official website earlier this summer. In his remarks, Anderson said, "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 part of it." His confidence reflects the confidence that many City supporters feel after a decade of unprecedented success under the guidance of elite managers, world‑class signings and a financial backing that few clubs can match. City manager Enzo Maresca echoed Anderson’s sentiment, noting that the player’s view is rooted in the reality of the last fifteen 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," Maresca explained.
He added, "If you go back, then it’s a different picture, but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant." Maresca also stressed the unique significance of a derby that pits two clubs from the same city against each other. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "It’s special because it’s two teams in the same city. It’s special for the fans, the club, for everyone. 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 ourselves and go there to try to win." Former United captain Michael Carrick, now the Red Devils’ head coach, offers a contrasting perspective.
Carrick was a United player when Sir Alex Ferguson famously dismissed City as "noisy neighbours" back in 2009. Since then, City’s string of Premier League titles and their growing confidence in derby encounters have reshaped the rivalry.
In a Sky Sports interview, Carrick admitted, "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 pinpointed a pivotal moment in the power struggle: Vincent Kompany’s dramatic header in April 2012 that secured a vital win for City just weeks before they clinched the league title 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 quite a big moment," Carrick recalled. "That’s just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most." Carrick also reminisced about United’s own derby highlights. He mentioned the 2010 League Cup semi‑final when United turned the tables with late goals from himself and Wayne Rooney, the last‑minute strike by Robin van Persie at the Etihad in December 2012 that helped United clinch a league win, and Michael Owen’s memorable goal at the Stratford End in September 2009.
"Wayne’s overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one!
That was a special one," he added, underscoring the rich tapestry of moments that have defined this rivalry. Looking ahead, Carrick hopes to add new chapters to United’s derby legacy. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday," he said, emphasizing the stakes for his side.
Former England international and Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson weighed in on the broader implications of the fixture. "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." Fans on social media also shared their views. One supporter argued that City’s recent dominance is largely fueled by oil money and a world‑class coach, while United’s historic stature still makes the comparison worthwhile.
Another user claimed that United’s reign ended with Sir Alex’s departure, asserting that City now wear the crown. Yet another pointed to United’s record‑breaking achievements, such as playing their 300th Champions League match and amassing a larger trophy haul over a longer period, insisting that history favors the Red Devils. The conversation even spilled over into rival club territories, with a Liverpool fan proudly declaring that Manchester will remain “blue” for the foreseeable future, referencing City’s surge after 2013 when Ferguson retired.
All these perspectives illustrate why the Manchester derby is more than just a match – it’s a cultural showdown, a clash of narratives, and a test of who truly deserves to be called the kings of the city. Whether the crown will stay with City, return to United, or perhaps be shared in a new era of competition, the upcoming Super Sunday at Old Trafford promises drama, passion, and a reminder that football’s greatest stories are written on the pitch.