A rivalry building on 145 years of history, two clubs separated by 4 miles fighting for the city of Manchester.
The first Manchester Derby was played in 1881 and Sunday, September 13th will be the 199th edition of the rivalry.
Manchester United have the advantage, winning 81 of the Derby match ups, a big margin ahead of Manchester City’s 62, and the sides couldn't be separated in 55 of the meetings that ended in draws. Though United has been better historically in the last 10 meetings, it’s been Manchester City dominating with six wins and the Red Devils have managed just three.
Pep Guardiola turned the tide on the rivalry during his reign with the trophy cabinet he put together and the success he had against Man United. Guardiola ended his Man City career with a record of 10 wins, 7 losses, and 3 ties in the Premier League. He also won an FA Cup against United in what was the first ever Manchester Derby FA Cup final.
There’s little debate about which Manchester club has been in the current era and that, in big part, has to do with a luxury for City that United haven’t had; stability with the manager on the touchline. Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport who dominated on the Man City touchline for 10 seasons.
Manchester United on the other hand have had problems finding someone to live up to the expectations Sir Alex Ferguson left behind and have been cycling managers trying to return to the glory days since he retired. A similar position, Enzo Maresca, finds himself replacing Guardiola after years of trophies and dominance.
This season will be huge in the Manchester Derby’s history. Not only will it be the 200th time these rivals play each other later in the season, it starts a new era in the rivalry.
Michael Carrick, who had a very successful spell as interim head coach at the end of last season, which included a Manchester Derby win and securing the Red Devils Champions League football, earned himself a permanent contract as manager.
On the other hand, Maresca takes over for the legendary Guardiola with massive shoes to fill, but after a busy summer with big spending and three straight wins to start the season, he has started off strong.
This will be the first Manchester Derby between Maresca and Carrick, one that could have big implications, setting the tone for the future of this rivalry. Two rival clubs that have a hatred for each other will both be looking to start this new era with a win.
From Ferguson to Guardiola and both of these managers want to be the next name to dominate this rivalry and bring their club glory. It starts with the first Manchester Derby in the new era with Carrick and Maresca on the sideline.
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