Manchester United is currently a club in total flux. If you’ve been following the chaos at Old Trafford lately, you know that the "new era" under Ruben Amorim didn’t even make it through the winter. It’s wild. One minute there’s talk of a tactical revolution, and the next, Michael Carrick is stepping back into the dugout as interim head coach.
The man united next game isn't just another fixture on the calendar; it is the 198th Manchester Derby.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:30 PM, Manchester City rolls into Old Trafford. Honestly, the timing couldn't be more dramatic. United is sitting 7th in the Premier League table with 32 points, and they are coming off a string of results that can only be described as "deflating." A 1-1 draw at Leeds, a 2-2 at Burnley, and then that 2-1 FA Cup exit to Brighton. It’s been a rough ride for the fans.
🔗 Read more: The Green Bay Packers 2018 Season Was a Total Mess and Everyone Knew It
What to Expect from the Manchester Derby
The narrative here is basically a movie script. Michael Carrick, the man who previously steadied the ship after Solskjaer, is back to face Pep Guardiola. City is currently 2nd in the league, chasing Arsenal, but they’ve been strangely human lately, drawing three straight games.
Don't let that fool you. They just put ten goals past Exeter in the cup. Ten.
Pep’s side has a weirdly good record at Old Trafford—they’ve won more away games there than any other visiting team in Premier League history. But derbies are weird. Form often goes out the window when the local rivalry heat turns up.
👉 See also: Why the Kansas City Chiefs 2003 season was the most exciting (and frustrating) year in franchise history
The Squad Situation and Return Dates
Injuries have been the bane of United’s existence this season. However, there’s some genuine light at the end of the tunnel for this specific game.
- Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo: Both are back. Their countries (Ivory Coast and Cameroon) got knocked out of AFCON, and they’ve been training at Carrington since Wednesday.
- Matthijs de Ligt: This is the big question mark. He’s missed nine games with a back issue. While some reports call him a "major doubt," he’s been doing individual work. If he plays, the defense looks a whole lot sturdier.
- Harry Maguire: He’s back in light training after a hamstring injury. He might make the bench, which is a massive boost given the lack of leadership lately.
- Noussair Mazraoui: Still out. Morocco made a deep run in AFCON, so he's unavailable for the derby.
Why This Game is Different
Most people think United will just roll over because of the managerial upheaval. I’m not so sure. Carrick has this weird "interim magic." He knows these players, and more importantly, he knows the club's DNA.
United's home form has been "meh" lately, but the atmosphere for a 12:30 kick-off against City is always electric. They need a result to stay within touching distance of the top four. Right now, they are three points behind Liverpool in 4th. A loss here, and the gap starts looking like a canyon.
City has their own new weapon. Antoine Semenyo, their £64m January signing from Bournemouth, has been on fire. He’s already scored twice and looks like he’s lived in Pep’s system for years. Keeping him and Erling Haaland quiet is basically a suicide mission for a makeshift defense.
Tactical Battles to Watch
Carrick likely won't overcomplicate things. Expect a more traditional 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 rather than the complex systems Amorim was trying to implement. He’ll probably lean on the experience of Bruno Fernandes and the returning pace of Amad on the break.
City will dominate possession. That’s a given. The game will be won or lost in how United handles the transition. If they can catch City’s high line—which has looked vulnerable in those recent draws—they might actually snatch something.
How to Watch the Man United Next Game
If you’re in the UK, it’s the standard Sky Sports Saturday lunchtime slot. Coverage starts at 11:00 AM on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event. For the global audience, it’s the usual suspects: Peacock in the US and Optus Sport in Australia.
Match Details:
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM GMT
- Referee: To be confirmed (usually announced 4-5 days prior)
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're heading to the game or watching from home, keep an eye on the first 15 minutes. Under interim managers, United often starts with a high-intensity "bounce" that fades. If they don't score early, the pressure from City's possession game might become unbearable.
Next Steps for Following the Build-up:
- Check the Lineups: Official team sheets drop at 11:30 AM GMT on Saturday. Look specifically for De Ligt’s name; his presence changes the entire defensive height.
- Monitor the AFCON Returns: See if Mbeumo starts or comes off the bench. His fitness after traveling back from Africa will be key to United's counter-attacking threat.
- Watch the Post-Match: Carrick’s post-match comments will give a massive hint about whether he’s just a "fireman" for two weeks or if he’s being considered for a longer stint until the end of the season.
The derby is never just a game. In the current context of United's season, it's a crossroads.