Manchester City have long been billed as the "Kings of Manchester," a claim that has sparked heated debate as the two local giants prepare to face off in the highly anticipated Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the recent dominance of City truly makes them the rulers of the city, or if Manchester United still hold the top spot in the capital of football.
The conversation began in earnest after City’s high‑profile summer acquisition, Elliot Anderson, signed for a reported £116 million. In an interview with the club's official website, Anderson was asked about the significance of the derby.
He replied, "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, noting that the player’s view reflects the reality of the past decade and a half.
"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." Maresca also highlighted how special these city‑clash fixtures are for everyone involved. 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." Michael Carrick, now United’s head coach, was once a player at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson famously dismissed City as "noisy neighbours" back in 2009.
The rivalry has intensified dramatically since then, with City’s string of Premier League titles and their growing ability to win high‑profile derby matches. In a Sky Sports interview, Carrick reflected on how the atmosphere has shifted. "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 said.
He pointed to a pivotal moment in April 2012, when Vincent Kompany headed the winning goal in a derby that helped City clinch 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 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 glorious derby memories, citing several standout performances: a 2010 League Cup semi‑final win where both he and Wayne Rooney scored, Robin van Persie’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," he added, expressing optimism that United can add another memorable chapter to the rivalry. Former England international Paul Merson, commenting for Sky Sports, underscored 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." Fans on social media added their own perspectives. One user, shree, argued that City’s recent success is fuelled by oil money and a world‑class manager, while United’s recent form may be weaker, yet the very act of comparing the clubs highlights United’s historic greatness.
Others, like Argyle loyal, believe City have taken the crown since Sir Alex left, whereas Aaron s insists United’s extensive trophy cabinet and 300th Champions League win cement their status as the true kings. PeteUK humorously noted how United fans once mocked Liverpool for "living in the past," only to see the tables turn dramatically.
Woop observed that City have been the superior side over the past 15 years, but United remain the larger club overall, predicting City will dominate league titles for the foreseeable future. Finally, Shanepancho778, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, declared that Manchester will stay blue, referencing the end of United’s glory days after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. All these viewpoints illustrate how the Manchester derby is more than just a game; it is a clash of narratives, histories, and ambitions.
City’s recent trophy haul, backed by significant financial investment and a modern tactical approach, has reshaped the power dynamics in the city. United, on the other hand, lean on a legacy of sustained success that spans decades, a global fan base, and a tradition of producing iconic moments. As the teams line up on Super Sunday, the question remains: will the reigning champions retain their crown, or will the historic giants reclaim their throne?
The answer will be decided on the pitch, but the debate will undoubtedly continue long after the final whistle, feeding the passionate discourse that makes the Manchester derby one of the most compelling rivalries in world football.