Manchester City have long been hailed as the "kings of Manchester" – a claim that has sparked lively debate ahead of the highly anticipated Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The conversation intensified after the club’s £116 million summer acquisition, midfielder Elliot Anderson, weighed in on the rivalry during an interview with the club’s official website. Anderson declared, "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 statement has prompted fans and pundits alike to ask: does City’s recent dominance truly make them the rulers of the city, or does Manchester United still retain the top spot?
Enzo Maresca, the City manager, echoed Anderson’s sentiment, noting that the young midfielder’s perspective is shaped by the club’s achievements over the past 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." Maresca added that the derby holds a special place for both clubs, their supporters and the wider football community. "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'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, remembers a time when City were dismissed as the "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. The landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with City’s string of Premier League titles and high‑profile derby victories reshaping the power balance.
In a Sky Sports interview, Carrick reflected on the evolution: "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 highlighted Vincent Kompany’s dramatic header in April 2012 – a goal that secured a crucial win for City just weeks before they clinched the league on the final day – as a turning point in the rivalry. "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 said. "That's just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most." Carrick also recalled several memorable derby moments for United that still bring a smile to his face. He mentioned the 2010 League Cup semi‑final, where United turned the tide late in the game with goals from himself and Wayne Rooney, as well as Robin van Persie’s last‑minute winner at the Etihad in December 2012 – a match that secured United’s league title that season.
"When Michael [Owen] scored that one at the Stratford End [in September 2009]" and "Wayne's overhead kick in 2011" were also highlighted as iconic instances of United’s derby prowess. Carrick now hopes to add new chapters to that storied history, stating, "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday." Former England international Paul Merson, speaking 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 commentator argued that City’s recent success is fueled by substantial financial backing and a world‑class manager, while United’s historic stature keeps the comparison alive: "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 user claimed that United’s reign ended with Sir Alex’s departure, suggesting City now wear the crown. Yet a third voice emphasized United’s unrivaled legacy, pointing to their 300th Champions League victory and the sheer volume of trophies amassed over more than a century.
The debate extends beyond statistics. Some fans nostalgically recall United’s dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s, while others point to City’s sustained excellence since the 2010s, driven by strategic investment, cutting‑edge facilities, and a style of play that has set new standards in English football. Both clubs boast passionate fanbases, iconic stadiums – Old Trafford and the Etihad – and a cultural impact that transcends sport, influencing fashion, music and the identity of Manchester itself. As the derby approaches, the narrative is clear: the match is more than three points; it is a contest for the symbolic throne of Manchester.
Whether City’s modern era of dominance continues or United reasserts its historic supremacy, the encounter promises drama, intensity, and a reminder that football rivalries are rooted as much in heritage as in present‑day performance. The outcome will shape the perception of who truly reigns as the "Kings of Manchester" for the coming season and perhaps for years to come.