Millions of football fans around the world will be glued to their screens as Manchester United and Manchester City clash , in a highly anticipated match as part of the 22nd round of the 2025-2026 English Premier League season. This encounter is of paramount importance not only because it is the historic Manchester derby, but also because of its direct impact on the shape of the competition at the top and bottom of the Premier League table this season.
The importance of the Manchester derby and the title calculations
Today's match is more than just a three-pointer; it's a decades-long football rivalry between Manchester's fierce neighbors and traditional rivals. Historically, encounters between the two teams have always been thrilling and competitive, serving as a barometer of the city's dominance. In the current 2025-2026 season, Manchester City enters the match under immense pressure, as the reigning champions seek to break their run of draws in the last three rounds, which has widened the gap with league leaders Arsenal to six points.
On the other hand, Manchester United realizes that winning the derby will give the team a huge morale boost to complete the season, especially since the team is in seventh place with 32 points, a position that does not befit the history of the Red Devils, making the fight for the three points inevitable in order to get closer to the places that qualify for the major European championships.
Manchester United vs Manchester City match date and broadcast channels
The Derby of Anger is scheduled to kick off today at 2:30 PM Cairo time , and the match will be hosted at the historic Old Trafford stadium.
Fans can follow the match via the tournament's exclusive broadcaster in the Middle East and North Africa:
- Channel: beIN Sports 1 HD
- Voiceover: The distinguished Algerian commentator, Hafid Derradji.
The two teams' positions in the English Premier League standings
Before the starting whistle blows, the numbers reveal a disparity in ambitions:
- Manchester City: They are in second place with 43 points, and their sights are set on closing the gap with leaders Arsenal.
- Manchester United: They come in seventh place with 32 points, looking for a lifeline to return to the top four.
Manchester United's predicted lineup against City
The home team enters the match with a star-studded lineup in an attempt to snatch victory, and the names are as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Sean Lammens.
- Defense line: Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot.
- Midfield: Kobe Maino, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes.
- Attack line: Dorgo, Brian Mbeumou, Amad Diallo.
Manchester City's expected lineup against United
In contrast, City will enter the match with a formidable attacking lineup including:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Defense line: Nathan Ake, Max Allen, Khusanov, Rico Lewis.
- Midfield: Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Phil Foden.
- Attack line: Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, Antoine Simeone.
