Manchester Derby: Who Truly Holds the Crown?

Manchester City have long been regarded as the rulers of Manchester, a sentiment recently reinforced by £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson. The declaration has sparked vigorous debate ahead of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, available live on Sky Sports.

Is Anderson correct? Does City’s recent dominance give them claim to the title, or do Manchester United remain the established monarchs?

Anderson’s declaration

Speaking to Manchester City’s official website this summer, Anderson addressed the upcoming derby.

“It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester,” he stated.

“It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”

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Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says Anderson’s verdict rings true in recent years.

“Probably the reason why Elliot said that was that he grew up in the last 15 years, Manchester City were unbelievable with what they achieved. It’s normal Elliot said that,” said Maresca.

“If you go back, then it’s a different picture but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant.”

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Maresca outlined the importance of these Manchester match-ups to all involved.

“It’s special because it’s two teams in the same city. It’s special for the fans, the club, for everyone,” said Maresca.

“I’m very excited. These are the games I like. These are the games we want. We know it’s going to be a tough game. Since Michael [Carrick] took over they’re doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win.”

Carrick on how the derby changed

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Michael Carrick was a Manchester United player when City were labelled “noisy neighbours” by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. But the current United head coach says City’s subsequent Premier League wins and triumphs in the derby have ramped up the rivalry.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said: “When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn’t like it is now.

“In 20 years, it’s kind of grown, it’s developed, it’s changed a little bit over the years.”

Carrick pinpoints Vincent Kompany’s derby winner in April 2012 – a month before City’s last-day Premier League title triumph – as a key moment in the duel for supremacy in Manchester.

“The one where we ended up losing the league, when Kompany scored the header towards the end of the season. We had a bit of a lead and then we lost it, and then we lost it at the end of the season. That felt quite a big moment,” he said.

“That’s just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most.”

There have been glorious derby days for United, too, which Carrick remembers more fondly.

“Probably the [2010 League Cup] semi-final is up there, when we won late and I scored and Wayne [Rooney] scored a header. That was a good day.

“Robin [Van Persie] scoring in the last minute [in the Premier League win at the Etihad in December 2012] the last time we won the league.

“When Michael [Owen] scored that one at the Stratford End [in September 2009].”

“Wayne’s overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one! That was a special one.”

Carrick is now hoping to add to that list. “There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday.”

Sunday 13th September 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm

Expert verdict: Merson warns United season hangs in balance

Sky Sports’ Paul Merson:

Manchester United face a pivotal Manchester derby with their season on the line. A victory would propel them forward, but defeat could trigger another crisis.

With just one point taken from their previous two matches, including the Everton game, and rival clubs winning, Merson remains concerned.

“I am worried – and this is why I didn’t put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing’s changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you,” he added.

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