Manchester United vs Manchester City head-to-head has been built over more than a century of meetings between the two Manchester clubs. United hold the overall historical advantage, but City have changed the balance of the rivalry considerably in the modern era.
The Manchester derby has moved through very different periods, from early local meetings to title races, cup finals and major Premier League clashes. For the latest match details, kick-off time and current team news, see our Manchester United vs Manchester City match guide.
Manchester United vs Manchester City all-time record
Before the September 2026 Premier League meeting at Old Trafford, Manchester City’s official counting method puts the rivalry at 198 competitive derbies. Manchester United have won 81 of those matches, Manchester City have won 63 and 54 have ended in draws.
| Head-to-head | Record before the September 2026 derby |
| Meetings | 198 |
| Manchester United wins | 81 |
| Manchester City wins | 63 |
| Draws | 54 |
The exact total can differ slightly between historical databases because some records treat the 1891 FA Cup qualifying-round meeting differently. Manchester City’s official history includes that match when counting the competitive rivalry.
READ ALSO: Manchester United fixtures, results, standings and squad
How the Manchester derby began
The first competitive meeting recognised in Manchester City’s official history took place in 1891, when the clubs were still known as Newton Heath and Ardwick AFC. Newton Heath won 5-1 at North Road. The names, grounds and scale of the clubs changed dramatically over the decades, but the local rivalry remained.
United became the dominant Manchester club for long periods of the twentieth century and the early Premier League era. City’s rise in the 2000s and 2010s changed the rivalry again, turning the derby into a fixture that has often carried consequences well beyond local bragging rights.
Recent Manchester United vs Manchester City results
| Date | Result | Competition |
| 17 January 2026 | Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City | Premier League |
| 14 September 2025 | Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United | Premier League |
| 6 April 2025 | Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City | Premier League |
| 15 December 2024 | Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United | Premier League |
| 25 May 2024 | Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United | FA Cup Final |
| 3 March 2024 | Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United | Premier League |
The recent sequence shows how quickly momentum can swing in this fixture. City won 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September 2025, but United responded with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford in January 2026. The previous season also included a league draw and a United win at the Etihad.
For more season-long coverage, visit the Manchester City hub or the Manchester United hub.
Biggest wins in Manchester derby history
The derby has produced several heavy scorelines. City won 6-1 at Old Trafford in both 1926 and 2011, while another major away win came in 1955 when City won 5-0. City also beat United 5-1 at home in 1989. United’s standout heavy victory came in 1994, when they beat City 5-0 at Old Trafford.
| Result | Year |
| Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City | 1926 |
| Manchester United 0-5 Manchester City | 1955 |
| Manchester City 5-1 Manchester United | 1989 |
| Manchester United 5-0 Manchester City | 1994 |
| Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City | 2011 |
Longest unbeaten runs in the Manchester derby
Both clubs have had long periods when they were difficult to beat in the derby. Manchester United’s longest unbeaten run stretched to 16 matches between 1989 and 2001. Manchester City’s longest unbeaten sequence in the official club record is nine matches between 1952 and 1955.
Those runs reflect different eras of the rivalry. United’s dominance around the beginning of the Premier League era was particularly strong, while City’s modern success has produced a much more balanced recent record.
READ ALSO: Premier League fixtures, standings, lineups, live and news
Manchester derby top scorers
Wayne Rooney leads the famous names associated with scoring in the Manchester derby, with 11 goals. Joe Hayes and Francis Lee are among City’s leading derby scorers with 10 each, while Sergio Aguero and Bobby Charlton are both closely associated with major goals in the fixture.
| Player | Club | Derby goals |
| Wayne Rooney | Manchester United | 11 |
| Joe Hayes | Manchester City | 10 |
| Francis Lee | Manchester City | 10 |
| Sergio Aguero | Manchester City | 9 |
| Bobby Charlton | Manchester United | 9 |
| Colin Bell | Manchester City | 8 |
| Eric Cantona | Manchester United | 8 |
Manchester United vs Manchester City in the Premier League era
The Premier League era changed the character of the rivalry. United dominated the competition during Sir Alex Ferguson’s long spell at Old Trafford, while City later became one of the league’s strongest sides and turned the derby into a much more even contest.
That shift is one reason recent meetings attract so much attention. Historical records still favour United overall, but the modern derby contains long stretches in which City have been able to match or outperform their neighbours.
What makes the Manchester derby different
The history of this fixture is not built around one period or one generation. Supporters can point to United’s long-term record, City’s modern rise, famous cup meetings, title-race pressure and memorable individual performances.
The 2011 6-1 City win at Old Trafford remains one of the defining modern scorelines. United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win in 2024 gave the red half of Manchester another major moment, while the 2025/26 league meetings were split between a 3-0 City win and a 2-0 United victory.
Follow the latest Manchester derby
For the current meeting, start with our Manchester United vs Manchester City fixture page. Once the teams are confirmed, the official Manchester United vs Manchester City lineups page carries both starting XIs, substitutes and formations.
During the match, follow the latest score, goals, cards, substitutions and match events on SP Score through our Manchester United vs Manchester City LIVE page. After full-time, the Manchester United vs Manchester City result page carries the final score, goals and match report.
Manchester United vs Manchester City H2H FAQs
Who has won more Manchester derbies?
Manchester United hold the overall historical advantage. Before the September 2026 derby, United had 81 wins to City’s 63, with 54 draws under Manchester City’s official counting method.
How many times have Manchester United and Manchester City played each other?
Before the September 2026 meeting, Manchester City’s official record counted 198 competitive derbies. Some historical sources differ slightly because of how the 1891 FA Cup qualifying-round match is treated.
What is Manchester City’s biggest win over Manchester United?
City have twice won 6-1 at Old Trafford, in 1926 and 2011.
What is Manchester United’s biggest win over Manchester City?
United beat City 5-0 at Old Trafford in 1994.
Who is the top scorer in Manchester derby history?
Wayne Rooney leads the traditional Manchester derby scoring list with 11 goals.
What was the last Manchester derby result before September 2026?
Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford on 17 January 2026.
Conclusion
Manchester United vs Manchester City head-to-head shows a rivalry that has changed repeatedly across more than a century. United still hold the overall historical advantage, while City’s modern rise has made recent meetings far more balanced and added a new chapter to the Manchester derby.
For wider club coverage, follow the Manchester United hub, the Manchester City hub and our Premier League coverage. You can also browse more football fixtures, results and news on SportPesa Kenya.
