Manchester United vs Manchester City: Carrick’s First Red Devils Win or Another Defeat to Citizens

by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga

image Manchester United vs Manchester City: Carrick’s First Red Devils Win or Another Defeat to Citizens
It's always a goal-heavy thriller when Manchester United and their local rivals, Manchester City, meet in the league or elsewhere. And with a new Red Devils manager searching for his first win, we can expect another hair-raiser in the Citizens' early trip to Old Trafford on Saturday. The question now is, can Michael Carrick’s Man Utd and his new philosophy upset title-chasing City at home?

Man Utd Searches for First Win Following Amorim Sacking

Following his controversial interview after his draw with bottom-placed Leeds, the Red Devils' board decided to fire Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, who was brought in to replace Ten Hag last season.

Former Manchester United player Darren Fletcher assumed the caretaker role immediately. His first game as a United manager was a 2-2 draw away at relegation-bound Burnley, a disappointing outcome after missing three big chances and conceding an own goal.

The following week only brought more disappointment as Brighton knocked the Red Devils out of the FA Cup despite their dominance. Michael Carrick, another former Man Utd midfielder, has now taken over from Fletcher in the head coaching role.

It's only ironic that when the new Man Utd boss needs a win the most, his next game (and first) is a visit from Man City, the second-best-performing team in England. For insights into the outcome of this game and the best bet, make sure to check out our Man United vs Man City prediction.

Amorim took a 3-0 beating from Pep Guardiola’s men earlier this season thanks to a brace from Haaland and one more from Foden. Amorim’s men failed to convert two big chances of their own and couldn't capitalize on Man Utd’s 1.52 xG in that game.

For Carrick, the situation has to be different. City is a deadly side and will almost always net multiple goals, just as they have in seven of their last nine meetings. So burying whatever chances they have is a must. Thankfully, Carrick might have a renewed Benjamin Sesko to rely on after the player scored all three of Man U’s goals since Amorim's sacking.

Man City Looking to Close Arsenal's Six-Point Gap at the Top

Manchester City have yet to lose a game since November 2025. But three consecutive draws in their last three EPL games have extended the Gunners’ lead at the top from two to six points.

The Citizens are back to their winning ways after thrashing Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup and then knocking out Newcastle (2-1) from the EFL Cup three days later. Now, Pep’s men must replicate those performances in the league if they hope to win it, starting with a victory at Old Trafford.

The Citizens have also received a major attacking boost with the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, a winger who has recorded 10 goals and 3 assists in 20 EPL games this season.

With the free-firing Haaland in front, and the likes of Foden, Silva, and Cherki present, City is poised to overwhelm United's defence as the best betting odds suggest. After all, that frontline is responsible for Man City’s 45 goals in 21 games, the most in the Premier League this season.

Still, Pep and his men can never underestimate any version of United. Remember, Man Utd have only lost one of their last five games to City, with Ten Hag winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, while Amorim won and drew his first two games. Carrick’s men, who are desperate for a first win, might just stun the visitors in front of home fans.