Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
‘Anyone's game, but not everyone's game’
JAMES NALTON previews this weekend’s much-anticipated Manchester derby
A street vendor selling half-and-half scarves ahead of the Women's Super League match at Eastlands, Manchester, March 23, 2024

THE Manchester derby is usually a battle between an underdog and an overwhelming favourite. 

Whether this was the force of Manchester United in the early years of the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson, or Manchester City in more recent times under Pep Guardiola, there is usually one dominant, outstanding team, but the dynamic going into Sunday’s derby is fairly unusual in that neither team are currently very good.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Michael Carrick, September 16, 2025
Men’s football / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026
Manchester United fans in the stands protest club ownership ahead the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, May 25, 2025
Men’s football / 5 August 2025
5 August 2025
FC
Books / 10 July 2025
10 July 2025

STEVEN ANDREW welcomes a fine introduction to FC United of Manchester, the team set up in opposition to Manchester United