Manchester United will host their city rivals Manchester City in a highly anticipated Premier League derby on September 13, and the clash will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Both clubs are entering the fixture with contrasting fortunes so far this season, and the match promises to deliver the intensity, drama, and skill that fans have come to expect from a Manchester derby. ### Background and recent form United, under the guidance of former midfielder Michael Carrick, have endured a rocky start to the campaign. After three league games they have accumulated just four points, a tally that reflects a mixture of draws and a narrow defeat.
Their most recent Premier League outing saw them come agonisingly close to snatching three points against Everton. The match was level for much of the second half until Ainsley Maitland‑Niles produced a spectacular long‑range effort that turned the tide in Everton’s favour, leaving United to settle for a draw. The disappointment of that result has added pressure on Carrick’s side to bounce back, especially against a rival of City’s calibre. On the other side of the divide, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, now led by Enzo Maresca after Guardiola’s departure, have enjoyed a smooth start.
Maresca, who took over the reins at the beginning of the season, is set to oversee his first Manchester derby as the City manager. He has already guided his side to a series of victories, extending his unbeaten run and reinforcing City’s reputation as the dominant force in English football. The upcoming derby offers Maresca a chance to cement his early success and add another win to his growing record.
### How to watch the match The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, and will kick off at 4:30 pm UK and Ireland time at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United. Fans have a variety of options for watching the match, whether they are Sky Sports subscribers, casual viewers, or people on the move.
#### Television broadcast - **Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League channels** – Sky customers can tune in to the live broadcast starting at 5:00 pm on the main Sky Sports channel. The slight delay between the kick‑off and the televised start allows for pre‑match analysis and introductions. #### Mobile and desktop apps - **Sky Sports app** – Subscribers can also stream the match on their smartphones, tablets, or computers using the official Sky Sports application. The app provides the same high‑definition feed as the television broadcast, along with interactive features such as live statistics and commentary.
#### Streaming for non‑Sky customers - **NOW TV** – Those who do not have a Sky subscription can still watch the game by purchasing a NOW TV Day Pass or a Month Pass, which grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including the live derby. NOW TV is a contract‑free streaming service that works across more than 60 devices, from smart TVs to smartphones. Prices for the passes are updated regularly, and the service can be cancelled at any time. #### Online coverage and highlights - **Match blog** – For viewers who prefer a text‑based experience, a dedicated match blog will provide live updates, minute‑by‑minute commentary, and key moments as they happen.
This is a useful option for fans on the go or for those who have limited bandwidth. - **Post‑match highlights** – Shortly after the final whistle, Sky Sports will release a highlights reel that captures the most exciting incidents, goals, and turning points of the game. The highlights are available for free and can be accessed through the Sky Sports website or app.
#### Technical recommendations - **Browser choice** – Sky Sports recommends using the Google Chrome browser for the best video player performance and accessibility. Chrome’s robust support for HTML5 video ensures a smoother streaming experience, especially on mobile devices. ### Additional features and promotions Sky Sports also offers a range of supplementary services that enhance the viewing experience: - **Sky iD assistance** – New users can create or retrieve their Sky iD, the account identifier required to log into the Sky platform. Detailed guides are available on the Sky website to help users set up their credentials.
- **NOW TV membership options** – In addition to the day‑pass, NOW TV provides month‑long memberships that are ideal for fans who want extended access to multiple sports events throughout the month. The service is contract‑free, meaning you can cancel whenever you wish without incurring penalties. - **Super 6 competition** – Sky Sports’ presenter Lewis Jones promotes the Super 6 football pool, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a share of a £1 million prize pool.
This adds an extra layer of excitement for viewers who enjoy predictive games. ### What to expect on the pitch From a tactical standpoint, the derby is likely to feature contrasting styles. United, traditionally favouring a high‑pressing, quick‑transition approach under Carrick, will look to exploit any defensive lapses from City.
Meanwhile, City, under Maresca, will probably continue their possession‑based, attacking philosophy, relying on the creative spark of players like Kevin De Bruyne and the finishing prowess of Erling Haaland. The midfield battle will be crucial, with United’s young talents seeking to disrupt City’s rhythm while City’s midfield maestros aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Both managers will have to make strategic substitutions as the game progresses, especially if the match remains tightly contested. Set‑pieces could also play a decisive role; United’s aerial threat from the likes of Harry Maguire and City’s precision dead‑ball routines could produce moments of high drama.
### Final thoughts The Manchester United versus Manchester City derby is more than just a league fixture; it is a cultural event that captures the attention of football fans worldwide. Whether you are a die‑hard supporter, a casual viewer, or someone simply interested in witnessing top‑class English football, there are numerous ways to enjoy the action live. By choosing the appropriate platform—be it Sky Sports television, the Sky Sports app, NOW TV streaming, or an online match blog—you can ensure you don’t miss a single moment of this thrilling encounter.
Prepare your snacks, set your alarms for the 4:30 pm kick‑off, and get ready for a match that promises goals, tension, and the kind of rivalry that defines the Premier League. May the best side win, and may the football be as spectacular as the history that surrounds it.