When Pep Guardiola arrives at Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby, the contrast between the two clubs is stark once again. Nearly a decade into his spell across the city, the Manchester City coach is preparing to face a sixth different opponent in the United dugout during that period.
When Pep Guardiola arrives at Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby, the contrast between the two clubs is stark once again. Nearly a decade into his spell across the city, the Manchester City coach is preparing to face a sixth different opponent in the United dugout during that period.
Michael Carrick now occupies the home bench, stepping in as interim head coach following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. It is his first match since taking charge and another chapter in a prolonged stretch of instability for United.
While turbulence continues to define life at Old Trafford, the atmosphere at City remains composed. Guardiola’s side heads into the weekend chasing a league double that would keep them firmly involved in the Premier League title race.
Carrick, meanwhile, is tasked with restoring pride and momentum in a season that has already unravelled, with local supremacy offering rare consolation amid wider disappointment.
City endured an uncommon setback last season by finishing without a major trophy, yet their response has been emphatic. Guardiola has spoken of the renewed “spirit” within a squad now unbeaten in 13 matches and competing across every competition.
Pressed on why he has remained in position while others fall, the Spaniard offered a blunt explanation. Victories, he said, are the currency of survival at the elite level, and City have delivered them in volume.
He acknowledged that a difficult three-month spell last year could have ended his reign elsewhere. Instead, patience from the club hierarchy, shaped by years of silverware, allowed continuity to prevail.
That record is substantial. Since arriving in July 2016, Guardiola has overseen an era defined by trophies and consistency, establishing a benchmark that continues to protect his standing.
Over the same timeframe, United has searched repeatedly for direction. Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and Amorim have all taken turns leading the team, each departing under pressure.
Short caretaker spells for Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher preceded Carrick’s return, as the club again leaned on familiar figures in an attempt to steady the course.
The current campaign has offered little encouragement. United exited both domestic cups at the earliest opportunity and trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by 17 points, with a top-five finish now the modest aim.
City, by contrast, continue to operate with clarity. Their playing principles remain rooted in ideas Guardiola introduced long ago, refined rather than replaced despite summer changes to staff and personnel.
Statistically, their dominance persists. Only Liverpool averages more possession this season, while City leads the league for touches and attempted dribbles, according to FBref. They also boast 45 league goals, the highest tally in the division.
Guardiola’s achievements are underpinned by strong backing from above. His long-standing relationship with City’s leadership has survived transitions, including the departure of sporting director Txiki Begiristain and the arrival of Hugo Viana.
Investment has followed. The £62.5m acquisition of Antoine Semenyo pushed City’s total spending under Guardiola beyond £2bn, with a further deal agreed in principle for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi at £20m.
Since 2016, City’s net outlay of roughly £957m ranks behind only United and Arsenal in England. The difference lies in returns: 18 trophies, six league titles, and a Champions League crown in 2023.
Across his career, Guardiola has spent more than any other manager, according to Transfermarkt, yet his haul places him among the game’s most decorated figures.
Against United, his record is commanding. Fourteen wins from 26 meetings underline City’s superiority, even if Solskjaer and Amorim avoided overall losing tallies.
Saturday’s derby still carries intrigue. Guardiola’s league points-per-game average against United is lower than against most frequent opponents, offering a sliver of optimism for the hosts.
For City, defeat would hinder, not derail, title ambitions. For United, a rare victory would represent hope that this latest reset might finally break a familiar cycle.
