Manchester United vs Manchester Metropolis preview, prediction and broadcast particulars
Manchester United step into one other second of uncertainty and intrigue as they welcome Manchester Metropolis to Outdated Trafford within the Premier League. This derby arrives at a junction the place quick time period fixes and long run questions collide, a well-known theme at United over latest seasons. The appointment of Michael Carrick as interim supervisor marks yet one more try to stabilise a marketing campaign that has drifted from early ambition into uneasy recalibration.
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Carrick begins his second caretaker spell with United sitting seventh within the Premier League, three factors off the highest 4, a place that flatters neither efficiency nor temper. His elevation follows the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and comes after Darren Fletcher oversaw a quick however unconvincing stint, together with a 2-2 draw at Burnley and an FA Cup exit to Brighton. The sense is of a membership shopping for time fairly than course, hoping familiarity may restore some coherence.
Throughout the technical space stands Pep Guardiola, himself coping with unfamiliar strain. Metropolis stay formidable but susceptible, six factors behind Arsenal after a run of three consecutive league attracts. Their 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter supplied catharsis fairly than readability, a reminder of attacking depth fairly than defensive certainty.
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Premier League context and derby stakes
For United, the derby carries symbolic weight past the desk. Carrick inherits a squad nonetheless looking for steadiness, prone to stick with a 4-2-3-1 form that prioritises management with out sacrificing risk. Solely Matthijs de Ligt stays unavailable, whereas the potential returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo following Africa Cup of Nations exits provide renewed attacking choices.
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Metropolis’s issues are extra structural. Accidents to Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones have stripped Guardiola of his most well-liked centre-back mixtures, leaving Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne as restricted alternate options. The January arrival of Antoine Semenyo eases vast issues, particularly with Savinho and Oscar Bobb sidelined, and the previous Bournemouth winger impressed with a objective on his debut towards Exeter.
The Premier League conflict takes place at Outdated Trafford with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Within the UK, the match will likely be proven stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion, with protection starting at 11am GMT. Reside streaming is out there by way of the Sky Go app, whereas highlights will likely be accessible later within the day by means of Sky Sports activities platforms and Match of the Day on BBC One.
Crew information, prediction and face to face file
Metropolis additionally await the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush from Africa Cup of Nations responsibility, although neither is predicted to characteristic.
This fixture typically resists logic, notably when United are in flux. Amorim’s solely Manchester derby at Outdated Trafford ended scoreless, and Metropolis’s present type suggests vulnerability. But Guardiola’s aspect retain an edge in management and leading edge, even with absentees.
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Prediction: Man Metropolis to win, 3-1.
Face to face historical past underlines the rivalry’s depth. Manchester United have recorded 80 victories, Manchester Metropolis 63, with 54 attracts, a statistical reflection of eras that swing as sharply as this fixture itself.