The Premier League’s 22nd-week clash between Manchester United and Manchester City promises fireworks at the iconic Old Trafford. Scheduled for kick-off on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at 19:30 WIB, the Manchester Derby carries high stakes not only for the league standings but also for the legacy of Pep Guardiola against the Red Devils.
This season, the two Manchester clubs enter the derby from different positions on the table. Manchester United currently sits in seventh place with 32 points, while Manchester City is second with 43 points, chasing a six-point deficit behind Arsenal at the summit. While City faces pressure in the title race, much attention is directed at Guardiola’s superior historical record against United throughout his managerial career.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Guardiola will confront Michael Carrick for the first time in his managerial career. Carrick, recently appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager, has yet to experience the intensity of going head-to-head with Guardiola at this level.
Guardiola vs Manchester United: A Proven Track Record
Although Guardiola has no prior encounters with Carrick as a head coach, his history against Manchester United is formidable. Across all competitions, he has faced the Red Devils 30 times, achieving 17 wins, four draws, and nine losses according to Transfermarkt data. These numbers underscore his consistency when managing teams against one of England’s most historic clubs.
Guardiola’s first encounters with Manchester United came during his tenure at Barcelona. In the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011, Barcelona defeated United 2-0 and 3-1 respectively, showcasing the early tactical brilliance that Guardiola would carry through his managerial career.
Later, while managing Bayern Munich, Guardiola met Manchester United in the 2013-2014 Champions League quarter-finals. The German giants drew 1-1 at Old Trafford before winning the return leg 3-1 at home.
Since joining Manchester City in the 2016-2017 season, Guardiola has consistently faced United in the Premier League, establishing the modern intensity of the Manchester Derby. His teams have often dominated, controlling possession and dictating the pace of play, making him a persistent threat to the Red Devils.
Key Matches Under Guardiola
Here is a snapshot of Guardiola’s encounters with Manchester United across various competitions:
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14/09/25: Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United
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06/04/25: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
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15/12/24: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
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10/08/24: Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City (penalties 6-7)
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25/05/24: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
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03/03/24: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
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29/10/23: Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City
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03/06/23: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
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14/01/23: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
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02/10/22: Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United
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06/03/22: Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United
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06/11/21: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
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07/03/21: Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United
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06/01/21: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
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12/12/20: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
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08/03/20: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
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29/01/20: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
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07/01/20: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
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07/12/19: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
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24/04/19: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
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11/11/18: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
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07/04/18: Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United
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10/12/17: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
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27/04/17: Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
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26/10/16: Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City
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10/09/16: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
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09/04/14: Bayern Munich 3-1 Manchester United
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01/04/14: Manchester United 1-1 Bayern Munich
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28/05/11: Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United
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27/05/09: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United
These results highlight Guardiola’s tactical superiority and his teams’ ability to adapt to different styles of play, from Barcelona’s tiki-taka to Manchester City’s high-possession, pressing game.
What This Means for the Derby
Heading into the 17 January clash, Guardiola’s record gives Manchester City a psychological edge. United, under Carrick, face the challenge of navigating Guardiola’s tactical acumen while attempting to capitalize on Old Trafford’s home advantage.
The derby is not just a battle for points; it is a clash of strategies, philosophies, and historical legacies. Guardiola’s ability to analyze opponents, exploit weaknesses, and adjust formations in real-time has repeatedly given him the upper hand against United. Meanwhile, Carrick, with limited managerial experience, must find ways to neutralize City’s strengths while motivating his squad to perform at their peak.
Anticipation and Outlook
As fans eagerly await the kick-off, the narrative is clear: Manchester City, guided by Guardiola, enters as the favored side, but football often produces surprises. Old Trafford will witness a tactical battle with Carrick looking to defy the odds, and City aiming to maintain their dominance in the Manchester Derby.
Ultimately, this clash represents more than three points. It tests the resilience of Manchester United’s new interim manager while reinforcing Pep Guardiola’s reputation as one of the most successful modern managers against one of England’s most storied clubs.
The answer will unfold under the lights of Old Trafford, where history, pressure, and ambition converge in one of football’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures.
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