The €2.1 Billion Derby: Guardiola's Chance for Revenge, United’s Fight for Pride

The Premier League's 16th round delivers one of the season’s most anticipated clashes as Manchester City hosts Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on December 16 at 12:30 AM Beijing time (local time December 15, 4:30 PM). This Manchester Derby is not just about local bragging rights but also a showdown between two footballing giants with a combined squad valuation of €2.1 billion—City at €1.26 billion and United at €850 million. Despite their historical dominance, both teams enter the derby struggling for form, desperate to secure a morale-boosting victory.

A Storied Rivalry

This will mark the 195th Manchester Derby, with the previous 194 encounters producing 61 wins for City, 79 for United, and 54 draws. In the Premier League era, the two sides have met 54 times, with City winning 20, United 25, and 9 matches ending in a draw.

This particular derby, however, has a different tone. For the first time in four years, neither side is in the Premier League’s top three. City currently sits 4th in the table, while United languishes in 13th. It’s a rare “fallen giants” derby, with both managers—Pep Guardiola and Rúben Amorim—desperate for a win to reignite their seasons.

United on the Brink of a 69-Year Humiliation

Manchester United’s struggles have been glaring since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. In their last six Premier League meetings with City, United has lost five, including three consecutive defeats at the Etihad.

According to Opta, if United loses this match, it will mark the first time in 69 years that they’ve suffered four straight league defeats at City’s home ground. The last time this happened was in 1955.

Additionally, United’s current tally of 19 points from 15 league games is their worst start to a season since 1986. For a club of their stature, another loss would deepen the crisis and add to the growing pressure on manager Amorim.

City’s Struggles: A Rare Slump Under Guardiola

Guardiola’s Manchester City is also in unfamiliar territory. Over their last 10 matches in all competitions, City has managed just one win while suffering seven defeats—a sharp contrast to their previous 105 matches, in which they also lost only seven.

In the Premier League, City has collected just 27 points from their first 15 games, their lowest tally at this stage in 14 years. With injuries depleting their defense and form slipping across the board, Guardiola faces a pivotal moment to restore confidence and keep pace in the title race.

Guardiola vs. Amorim: A Grudge Match

The derby also serves as a personal grudge match for Guardiola, who suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Amorim’s Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League just over a month ago. Despite dominating possession with 73% and firing 20 shots to Sporting’s 9, City was undone by an inspired performance from Sporting, led by a hat-trick from Francisco Trincão and a goal from Matheus Araújo.

Now, Guardiola has the opportunity to avenge that loss on home soil. While Amorim has proven his tactical acumen, City will be determined to impose their dominance in front of their fans and avoid further embarrassment.

Haaland: United’s Nightmare

One bright spot for City is the presence of Erling Haaland, who has consistently tormented United in recent encounters. In just four Premier League appearances against the Red Devils, Haaland has scored six goals and provided three assists, cementing his reputation as a United nemesis.

Haaland’s exploits put him within reach of derby legends Wayne Rooney and Sergio Agüero, who hold the record for most goals in the Manchester Derby with eight each. Eric Cantona is second with seven, but Haaland is poised to surpass them all if he continues his blistering form against United.

Predicted Lineups

Both teams face challenges in assembling their squads for this high-stakes clash.

Manchester City (4-1-4-1):

• Goalkeeper: Ortega
• Defenders: Walker, Simpson-Pussey, Dias, Gvardiol
• Midfield: Kovacic
• Attacking Midfield: Savinho, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Matheus Nunes
• Forward: Haaland

City’s defensive injuries are a significant concern, with Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones all ruled out. However, their attacking depth remains formidable, and Guardiola will rely on his midfield maestros to supply Haaland with chances.

Manchester United (3-4-2-1):

• Goalkeeper: Onana
• Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez
• Wingbacks: Amad Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot
• Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Rashford
• Forward: Højlund

For United, the spotlight will be on Rasmus Højlund to lead the line and exploit City’s weakened defense. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will need to deliver their best performances to break down City’s midfield and create scoring opportunities.

The Stakes

This €2.1 billion derby is more than just a battle for bragging rights—it’s a fight for survival and redemption for two of England’s most storied clubs. For Guardiola, it’s a chance to avenge a humiliating Champions League defeat and reignite City’s faltering season. For Amorim, it’s an opportunity to restore pride to a struggling United side and avoid the ignominy of a 69-year record.

With both teams desperate for a win, the stage is set for an electrifying clash at the Etihad Stadium. As the footballing world watches, the Manchester Derby promises drama, passion, and a potential turning point for whichever side emerges victorious.