You’re probably staring at your phone or remote right now, wondering what time is the man united game today because, let’s be honest, the schedule changes more often than United’s backline. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and it’s not just any game. It’s the Manchester Derby. United vs. City at Old Trafford.
The short answer: The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT.
If you are tuning in from the States, you’re looking at a 7:30 a.m. ET start, or a very early 4:30 a.m. PT if you’re on the West Coast. In India, it's a 6:00 p.m. IST start. Basically, if you’re in Manchester, it’s that classic lunchtime slot that usually produces either a nervous stalemate or absolute chaos.
Why the Manchester Derby feels different this time
Look, the league table says United is sitting in 7th. That’s the reality. City is breathing down Arsenal’s neck at the top, and United is just trying to find a sense of direction. This isn't just about what time is the man united game today; it's about whether Michael Carrick can actually steady this ship.
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Michael Carrick is back in the dugout. Again. After Ruben Amorim’s exit on January 5th and Darren Fletcher’s brief stint as interim, Carrick is the one tasked with stopping Pep Guardiola’s machine. It’s his first official game back in charge, and he’s inherited a squad that’s been drawing way too many games lately—specifically, those back-to-back draws against Leeds and Burnley.
How to watch the game where you are
If you're in the UK, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League are your go-to channels. Coverage usually starts about an hour before the 12:30 p.m. kick-off.
For the US fans, USA Network is carrying the game today, or you can stream it on the NBC Sports app. In Canada, FuboTV is the spot, and if you’re in Australia, you’ll be on Stan Sport.
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Team News: Who is actually playing?
Injuries have been a nightmare. It's kinda the story of the season, really.
Matthijs de Ligt is out. He’s been dealing with a lower back issue that just won’t clear up, and Carrick confirmed in the presser that he’s still not ready. That leaves a massive hole. We’re likely looking at Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez trying to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
The good news? Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Cameroon and Ivory Coast getting knocked out early was a blow for them, but a massive win for United. Mbeumo has been the top scorer this season with 7 goals in all competitions, so having him on the right wing is huge.
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The probable lineup looks something like this:
Lammens in goal—yes, he seems to have kept his spot. Then a back four of Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, and Shaw. In the middle, it’s likely Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Up front, you’ve got Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Cunha supporting Benjamin Šeško.
Honestly, the 4-2-3-1 is back. Carrick isn’t going to mess around with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. He’s going back to what these players know.
The Stakes at Old Trafford
City hasn’t lost in 13 matches. They just beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup earlier this week. They are clinical. United, on the other hand, hasn't won a league game since Boxing Day against Newcastle.
If United loses today, they could slide as low as 10th depending on other results. If they win? They’re right back in the mix for the Champions League spots, only three points off Liverpool. It’s that tight.
Old Trafford will be loud, but it’s been a tense place lately. The fans are desperate for some consistency. You've got a new manager (well, a returning one), returning AFCON stars, and the biggest rivals in town.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your stream early: If you're using USA Network or Sky, log in 15 minutes prior to the 12:30 p.m. GMT kickoff to avoid the "too many devices" or "login expired" panic.
- Monitor the weather: It's Manchester in January. It's raining. This usually means a slicker pitch, which favors City's passing but also makes Maguire’s long balls more unpredictable.
- Fantasy Premier League: If you still have Mbeumo on your bench from AFCON, get him back in the XI before the deadline. He’s likely starting.
- Follow Live Updates: If you can’t get to a TV, the official Manchester United app or the Premier League website provides minute-by-minute text commentary.