Manchester City have long been billed as "the Kings of Manchester," a claim that has sparked lively debate ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The discussion intensified after the club’s £116 million summer acquisition, midfielder Elliot Anderson, declared his belief that City now reign supreme in the city. But is his assessment accurate? Does the recent wave of success that has lifted City to the pinnacle of English football truly make them the dominant force, or does Manchester United still hold the historic title of No.
1? Anderson addressed the derby in an interview for the official Manchester City website earlier this summer. He 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 words capture the confidence that many City supporters feel after a decade of trophy-laden campaigns, yet they also underline how personal the rivalry feels for a player who grew up watching the club’s rise.
City manager Enzo Maresca echoed Anderson’s sentiment, noting that the young midfielder’s view reflects 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. "If you go back, then it's a different picture but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant." The manager’s comment highlights how recent history—marked by multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and deep runs in Europe—has reshaped the narrative of who truly rules Manchester.
In a separate interview with Sky Sports, Maresca stressed the unique significance of the derby for both clubs and their supporters. "It's special because it's two teams in the same city.
It's special for the fans, the club, for everyone," he said. "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." Maresca’s remarks underline the emotional weight the fixture carries, especially now that former United stalwart Michael Carrick leads the Red Devils.
Carrick, who was a United player when Sir Alex Ferguson famously dismissed City as "noisy neighbours" in 2009, acknowledges that the rivalry has evolved dramatically under his stewardship. Speaking to Sky Sports, he 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 shift: Vincent Kompany’s late header in April 2012 that secured a crucial win for City just 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 dominance, United fans can point to their own memorable derby moments.
Carrick reminisced about the 2010 League Cup semi‑final when United turned the tide with goals from Wayne Rooney and himself, the dramatic last‑minute winner by Robin van Persie at the Etihad in December 2012, and Michael Owen’s strike 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 that the derby has produced iconic scenes on both sides of the divide.
Looking ahead, Carrick hopes to add another chapter 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, reflecting both optimism and the pressure of restoring United’s standing in the city. Former England international Paul Merson, appearing on Sky Sports, summed up 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. 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." Merson’s analysis emphasizes how the derby can act as a catalyst for a season’s trajectory, either propelling United forward or deepening a slump. Fans on social media added their own perspectives, illustrating how deeply personal the rivalry is.
One commenter wrote, "City have won a lot recently and you know it's all because of oil money and a world‑class coach. United haven't been best in recent years but the point we are still doing this comparison itself shows how great a club Manchester United are which City won't be able to be." Another argued, "At this moment in time it's definitely City, the days of United being kings of Manchester went when Fergie left." Yet a third voice insisted, "I think it has to be Man U. Look at their history. Man U just played and won their 300th Champions League game.
Look at the amount of trophies they have won compared to Manchester City. City may have become bigger recently but Man U are and will always be the kings of Manchester." These divergent opinions highlight the core of the debate: is supremacy measured by recent silverware and financial power, or by historical legacy and global brand? City’s rise has been fueled by substantial investment, a state‑of‑the‑art training complex, and a tactical revolution under managers like Pep Guardiola. Their style of play—characterised by high pressing, intricate passing and relentless attacking intent—has set new standards in English football.
Meanwhile, United’s identity rests on a storied past that includes 20 league titles, three European Cups and an unmatched global fanbase. The club’s recent attempts to rebuild under Carrick involve blending experienced veterans with promising academy graduates, aiming to recapture the spirit that defined the Sir Alex era.
The upcoming derby will therefore be more than a 90‑minute contest; it will be a symbolic clash of philosophies, histories and aspirations. If City continue their recent dominance, they may cement the perception that they are indeed the modern kings of Manchester. Conversely, a United victory could reignite the belief that the Red Devils remain the true monarchs of the city, capable of overturning even the most financially powerful adversary. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to deliver drama, passion and a reminder that football rivalries are never just about the scoreline—they are about identity, pride and the ever‑shifting balance of power within a city that loves the beautiful game.