Skip to main content
‘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.

Donate to the Fighting Fund
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Zhao Xintong during his match against Jak Jones (not pictured), during day three of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Picture date: Monday April 21, 202
Snooker / 25 April 2025
25 April 2025

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible   

Everton fans in the stands ahead of the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, April 19, 2025
Men’s football / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON

Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power

The referee spots the pink ball on day fourteen of the 2024
Snooker / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
As the 2025 World Snooker Championship looms, the road to Sheffield is already alive with drama, from teenage prodigies to legendary veterans, writes JAMES NALTON
Similar stories
The Manchester United fan group The 1958 during a protest ag
Men’s Football / 10 March 2025
10 March 2025
Thousands marched against club owners at Old Trafford on Sunday
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and minority shareholder at Man
Sport / 7 January 2025
7 January 2025
Scholes blasts Man United's fossil fuel billionaire owner for hiking up ticket prices
Liverpool's Luis Diaz (right) celebrates scoring their side'
Men’s Football / 2 January 2025
2 January 2025
Manchester City's Jack Grealish is tacked by Manchester Unit
Men's Football / 24 May 2024
24 May 2024
JAMES NALTON looks forward to the historic clash between Premiership heavyweights for the FA Cup