Flipping through the annals of English football history, those unaware of the clubs’ past can be forgiven for glossing over the first meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City. That is because the first time the pair faced each other, on November 12, 1881, neither were playing under their current monikers. On that day, Newton Heath, who would later become Manchester United, beat St Mark’s, Manchester City, 3-0, in a game described by a report as “pleasant”. (Streaming | Full Coverage)
Goodwill persisted between the Manchester pair up until the outbreak of the Second World War, a united Manchester effort reigning prevalent over differences.
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The animosity between the pair surged in the 1970s and 80s, albeit it only peaked in the 2010s following the United Arab Emirates’ takeover of Manchester City. City, who had fallen behind their cross-town rivals after decades of uncertainty, suddenly found themselves on equal footing. The aim of the new ownership group was simple: displace their noisy neighbours from their pedestal.
City achieved their goal on a dramatic final day of proceedings in the 2011-12 English Premier League season. Trailing by two goals in stoppage time against Queens Park Rangers, the Citizens clawed back the deficit through Edin Dzeko and then hit the winner through Sergio Aguero, who immediately installed himself as a club great.
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Manchester United Vs Manchester City, Manchester Derby, Head-to-Head and Recent Results:
As things stand, Manchester United and Manchester City have contested 190 games, with the former winning 78 compared to the latter’s 59; 53 have ended in a draw. The two have jointly won 100 trophies, with United again leading the count, 67 to 33.
The previous fixture between the English behemoths was an FA Cup Final on June 3, 2023, with Manchester City claiming the win over their rivals Manchester United by a 2-1 scoreline. Their last league meeting, however, went in favour of Manchester United, who beat their adversaries 2-1 on January 14, 2023.
Over the last five fixtures, Manchester City lead Manchester United 4-1.
