Manchester derby history and rivalry stats between Man United and Man City

The Manchester derby has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, with Manchester City transforming from perennial underdogs into genuine rivals to Manchester United’s historic dominance.

Their first FA Cup final meeting in June 2023 ended in a 2-1 win for Pep Guardiola’s side, part of a treble that matched United’s 1999 achievement. A year later, Erik ten Hag’s United struck back with a 2-1 victory in the 2024 final, their most complete performance of the season. United repeated the scoreline in the December league derby before the return fixture ended goalless.

United’s supremacy in the early Premier League era was unmatched, winning 13 titles between 1992 and 2013. City, meanwhile, oscillated between divisions until the Abu Dhabi-backed takeover in 2008 changed the club’s trajectory. Since then, Guardiola has built a squad of world-class talent, shifting the balance of power in Manchester.

Head-to-head record

Since their first meeting in 1881, United and City have played 197 times across all competitions. United lead with 80 wins, City have 62, and 55 matches have ended in draws. Goals scored are almost level, with United on 276 and City on 278.

Premier League era

United dominated the early years, going unbeaten against City until 2002. Shaun Goater’s brace at Maine Road gave City their first Premier League derby win. United continued to enjoy memorable moments, including Michael Owen’s dramatic 4-3 winner in 2009 and Wayne Rooney’s iconic bicycle kick in 2011.

Guardiola’s arrival in 2016 shifted momentum. He won four of his first six derbies, and Erling Haaland’s arrival added firepower. Haaland scored a hat-trick in his derby debut in 2022, followed by braces in 2023 and 2024. United responded with late goals to win at the Etihad in 2024/25, before a drab 0-0 at Old Trafford. City’s 3-0 win in 2025/26 marked Ruben Amorim’s final derby in charge.

FA Cup clashes

The rivalry has produced memorable FA Cup encounters. United won the first in 1891, while City claimed a semifinal victory in 1926. Yaya Toure’s 2011 strike ended United’s hopes and delivered City their first major trophy in 35 years. The 2023 and 2024 finals added fresh chapters, with Gundogan’s brace sealing City’s win before Garnacho and Mainoo inspired United’s revenge.

Trophy comparison

United remain ahead with 68 major trophies compared to City’s 36, though the gap is narrowing. United lead in league titles and FA Cups, while City have edged ahead in League Cups.

Closing note

The derby remains one of football’s fiercest rivalries, its narrative enriched by City’s rise and United’s tradition. With both clubs continuing to battle for supremacy, every meeting adds another layer to a story that stretches back nearly 150 years.