Man Utd vs Man City: Betting tips for Manchester derby
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
The Saturday lunchtime kick-off at 12:30 pm GMT comes from Old Trafford as Manchester United host Manchester City in what promises to be a fiery Manchester Derby.
Both sides arrive as serial draw specialists in recent weeks, and Terry Foord assesses which of the two is more likely to break the stalemate trend and take all three points.
Michael Carrick begins his tenure at Old Trafford after being appointed head coach until the end of the season. Despite the suggestion that this could be a short-term role, strong results could easily put him in the frame for the permanent position.
He inherits a United side winless since Boxing Day, with three consecutive Premier League draws followed by an FA Cup defeat to Brighton. Those results have pushed the Red Devils down to seventh place and increased the pressure to start this new era on a positive note. A derby victory would instantly lift the mood around Old Trafford.
Manchester City are also coming into this derby after three straight Premier League draws, but crucially remain unbeaten in thirteen matches across all competitions. They progressed in both the EFL Cup (first-leg semi-final win over Newcastle) and the FA Cup (victory over Exeter).
However, the Citizens have been hampered by dropped league points against the likes of Brighton and Sunderland. Pep Guardiola’s side sit six points behind leaders Arsenal and know anything short of three points could significantly damage their title charge.
Manchester City have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning six of the last ten Premier League meetings. United have taken just two wins in that period, with the other two ending in draws.
At Old Trafford, United have won only one of the last five league derbies. Those five fixtures include two 0-0 draws and two City victories. Goals are typically expected in this match-up, with over 2.5 goals landing in seven of the last eight meetings. Both teams have scored in five of those eight games.
This is a tricky game to assess due to United’s likely “new manager bounce” under Carrick and the emotional lift that comes with a home derby. However, the tactical structure, consistency and quality of Manchester City still make them the more reliable side.
I expect United to get on the scoresheet — the atmosphere alone will fuel them — but City should have too much overall and will be desperate to keep their title hopes alive.
In the bet builder, I’m adding Luke Shaw to be booked. City’s forward line is packed with pace and trickery, and the recent addition of Antoine Semenyo offers yet another direct dribbling threat. It’s the type of fixture where Shaw can easily find himself in trouble.
2pts – Man City to win – 1/1 (Betway)
1pt – Man City to win, both teams to score and Luke Shaw to be booked – 17/2 (Bet365)
All prices correct at the time of writing. 18+ | Please gamble responsibly.
Terry is a sports writer and tipster with two decades of betting industry experience, most recently featuring a long stint with Punters Lounge.
A keen follower of darts, snooker, football and many other sports, Terry loves getting creative to try and find an edge and particularly enjoys trying to factor the mental side of sport into his punting.
Away from the desk, he is also a long-suffering West Ham fan.
Terry is a sports writer and tipster with two decades of betting industry experience, most recently featuring a long stint with Punters Lounge.
A keen follower of darts, snooker, football and many other sports, Terry loves getting creative to try and find an edge and particularly enjoys trying to factor the mental side of sport into his punting.
Away from the desk, he is also a long-suffering West Ham fan.
Terry's p/l
7 Days
30 Days
Year 2026
