Manchester City have long been billed as the "Kings of Manchester," a claim that has sparked intense debate 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. The question on everyone’s lips is whether this royal title truly belongs to City, especially after their recent wave of success, or if Manchester United still reigns supreme in the city. The discussion gained fresh momentum when newly signed midfielder Elliot Anderson, who arrived at City for a reported £116 million this summer, weighed in during an interview on the club's official website. Anderson, a promising talent who grew up watching the sport, 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 involved in something like that." His comment reflected the prevailing sentiment among many City supporters that the club’s dominance over the past decade and a half has cemented its royal status. City manager Enzo Maresca echoed Anderson’s view, noting that the young midfielder’s perspective is shaped by the era in which he grew up.
"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 further, the picture changes, but for the generation Elliot knows, City have been dominant." Maresca also highlighted the unique significance of a derby that pits two clubs from the same city against each other. "It’s special because it’s two teams in the same city. It’s special for the fans, the club, for everyone," he told Sky Sports. "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’ve done 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, has a personal history with the rivalry. He was a United player when Sir Alex Ferguson famously dismissed City as "noisy neighbours" back in 2009. Since taking the reins at United, Carrick acknowledges that City’s recent string of Premier League titles and derby victories have intensified the competition. "When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn’t like it is now," Carrick said to Sky Sports.
"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 rivalry: Vincent Kompany’s dramatic header in April 2012, which secured a crucial win for City just a month 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." Despite City’s recent ascendancy, United have their own storied derby moments that Carrick fondly remembers.
He cited the 2010 League Cup semi‑final, where United turned the game around late, with goals from himself and Wayne Rooney, as a highlight. He also mentioned Robin van Perry’s last‑minute strike in a December 2012 Premier League victory at the Etihad, Michael Owen’s goal at the Stratford End in September 2009, and Rooney’s spectacular overhead kick in 2011. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday," Carrick added, underscoring his desire to add another memorable chapter to United’s derby legacy.
Former England international Paul Merson, now a pundit for Sky Sports, weighed in on the stakes for 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," he said. Merson warned that a loss could leave United just a point shy of safety with two games remaining, emphasizing how crucial the fixture is for the Red Devils' survival hopes. The debate extends beyond the pitch, spilling into fan forums and social media. One commentator, shree, argued that City’s recent dominance is largely fueled by financial power and a world‑class manager, while United’s legacy still commands respect.
Others, like Argyle loyal, contend that United’s reign ended with Sir Alex’s departure, making City the undisputed kings. Conversely, Aaron s highlighted United’s historic achievements, noting their 300th Champions League win and a trophy haul that dwarfs City’s, asserting that United will always be the true monarchs of Manchester.
Even rival supporters have weighed in. PeteUK joked about United fans previously mocking Liverpool supporters for "living in the past," only to see the tables turn as United now find themselves in a similar nostalgic position. Woop observed that while City may be the stronger side over the past fifteen years, United remain the larger club in terms of global brand and fanbase, though he doubts United will clinch another league title soon.
Finally, Shanepancho778, a lifelong Liverpool fan, declared that Manchester will remain "blue" for the foreseeable future, marking 2013 – the year Sir Alex retired – as the end of United's glory era. All these perspectives illustrate how the Manchester derby is more than just a football match; it is a cultural showdown that reflects shifting power dynamics, historical pride, and the ever‑evolving narrative of two of England’s most iconic clubs. As the teams prepare to meet at Old Trafford, fans on both sides will be watching not only for three points, but for a symbolic affirmation of who truly wears the crown in the city of Manchester. The outcome will likely influence the perception of supremacy for years to come, adding another layer to a rivalry that continues to captivate football lovers worldwide.