Michael Carrick played in 24 Manchester derbies during his professional career, but this weekend, he will take on Man City for the first time as Manchester United head coach.
A new chapter began at Manchester United this week when Michael Carrick was appointed head coach, eight days on from Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
Carrick’s former teammate, Darren Fletcher, stepped into the role for two matches before returning to coaching the U18s.
The Red Devils are currently seventh in the Premier League after a topsy-turvy first half to the season, but they will host Man City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ahead of the derby, which Manchester City player of ALL TIME have you taken the biggest personal dislike to?
Go back as far as you want…!
Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently six points behind Arsenal at the top of the league.
Carrick’s record against City as a United player saw him win 12, draw two and lose 10. He hopes to come away from his first Manchester derby as head coach with three points, with United winless in their last four matches.
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim is the only Man Utd coach post-Sir Alex Ferguson to win first Manchester derby
City have been the strongest side in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, winning the title seven times.
More United News
United have struggled for most of that period, only managing to finish runners-up twice.
Every United manager or head coach in that time has had their struggles against City, but Amorim became the first to win his first Manchester derby since Ferguson.
7 Managers, 1 Win…. Ruben Amorim broke the streak – can Michael Carrick make it two manager derby debut victories in a row?
Which Manchester derby was the most memorable for you, good or bad?
Bosses Vs City graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Amorim’s first Manchester derby ended dramatically as United produced a late comeback to beat City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
City took the lead in the first half through Josko Gvardiol, but Amad Diallo earned a penalty late on before Bruno Fernandes converted.
In the 90th-minute, Amad went one step further than winning a penalty by scoring the winner.
It was United’s first away win at City in three years.
Meanwhile, David Moyes and Ralf Rangnick both lost their first Manchester derby 4-1. Erik ten Hag conceded the most goals, losing 6-3, while Louis van Gaal lost 1-0.
Jose Mourinho lost his first derby as United manager 2-1, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered a 2-0 defeat.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s first Manchester derby in
In January 1987, Ferguson first faced City as United manager in an FA Cup third-round tie.
United won the game 1-0 and went on to beat the Blues 2-0 in the league later that season to push City closer to relegation.
It took a goal from Norman Whiteside to eliminate City from the FA Cup.
United were knocked out by Coventry City in the fourth round.
Carrick will be hopeful of starting his reign as head coach with a victory over City.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox