Manchester United will host their city rivals, Manchester City, in one of the most anticipated Premier League fixtures of the season on September 13. The clash, commonly referred to as the Manchester derby, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and will take place at Old Trafford, the iconic home ground of United.
Kick‑off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. UK and Ireland time, and fans across the globe will have several options to watch the game, whether they are traditional TV viewers, app users, or streaming subscribers. The context of this encounter is especially interesting because United have had a rocky start to the campaign.
Under the guidance of former midfielder Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have managed only four points from their opening three league matches, a return that falls short of the high expectations set for a club of their stature. In their most recent Premier League outing, United were on the verge of securing a win against Everton but saw their hopes shattered in the dying minutes when Ainsley Maitland‑Niles produced a spectacular strike that turned a potential victory into a draw. That moment encapsulated the frustration that has lingered over Carrick’s side, as they struggle to convert chances into points.
On the opposite side, Manchester City will be led by Enzo Maresca, who will be making his debut as the manager in a Manchester derby. Maresca has enjoyed a winning start to his tenure at City, and the upcoming match offers him the chance to extend that early success. The tactical battle between Carrick’s relatively defensive, counter‑attacking approach and Maresca’s possession‑based, high‑pressing style promises to be a compelling narrative for neutral observers and die‑hard supporters alike. For viewers who prefer traditional television, Sky Sports Main Event and the dedicated Premier League channel will carry the live feed.
The broadcast begins at 5:00 p.m., giving fans a few minutes to settle in after the kickoff. Sky customers can also access the match via the Sky Sports app, which provides the same high‑definition feed on smartphones, tablets, and compatible smart TVs. This flexibility ensures that supporters can watch the game from virtually any location, whether they are at home, in the office, or on the move.
If you do not have a Sky subscription, you still have viable alternatives. NOW TV offers a day‑pass or a month‑pass that grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including the live derby. These passes are contract‑free and can be cancelled at any time, making them an attractive option for occasional viewers or those who only want to watch a single match.
The NOW service is available across more than 60 devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and smart TVs, ensuring that the match can be streamed on virtually any modern screen. For those who prefer to follow the action in real time without a video feed, a dedicated match blog will provide minute‑by‑minute written updates, live statistics, and key moments as they happen. This service is ideal for fans who are commuting, at work, or simply prefer a text‑based format.
After the final whistle, Sky Sports will upload highlights of the game, allowing viewers to catch up on any missed action. These highlight reels are typically available shortly after full‑time and can be accessed for free on the Sky Sports website or through the app. Sky Sports also offers additional resources to help users get the most out of their viewing experience. For example, the Sky iD help section provides step‑by‑step instructions on how to locate or create a Sky iD, which is required for logging into the service on any device.
The NOW platform, which functions as an instant streaming service, includes all Sky Sports channels as well as the premium Sky Sports+ streams, delivering a comprehensive sports package without the need for a long‑term contract. In addition to the main broadcast, Sky Sports often runs supplementary content such as pre‑match analysis, post‑match interviews, and expert commentary. Lewis Jones, a well‑known presenter on Sky Sports, typically hosts the pre‑match show, offering insights into team line‑ups, tactical approaches, and player form. After the match, he may interview managers or key players to capture their reactions and provide fans with deeper context.
Fans looking for a bit of extra excitement can also participate in Sky Sports’ Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to the competition is free, and participants can submit their predictions for the outcome of the match and other Premier League fixtures. To ensure the best possible viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser for its video player, as it provides enhanced accessibility and smoother playback.
This recommendation applies to both desktop and mobile users who prefer to watch the stream directly through a web browser rather than via a dedicated app. In summary, the Manchester United versus Manchester City derby on September 13 promises to be a thrilling encounter with high stakes for both sides. United will aim to bounce back from a disappointing start and prove that they can compete with the league leaders, while City will look to maintain their unbeaten run under a new manager.
Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW TV user, or a fan following the live blog, there are numerous ways to stay connected to every moment of the action. Be sure to set a reminder, choose your preferred viewing method, and enjoy one of English football’s most storied rivalries.