It is almost exactly three years to the day since Manchester United’s last home victory over Manchester City.
Heading into the January 2026 Manchester derby, United are searching for a first home victory over City since the 2022/23 season.
In 2024/25, the teams drew 0-0 at Old Trafford uner Ruben Amorim, while City won 0-3 in the 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag.
This weekend’s January 17 clash between the teams is just over three years since January 14, 2023, when Erik ten Hag’s side came from behind to win a stirring clash 2-1.
The win came amid a remarkable winning run under the Dutchman, that saw the Red Devils go on to beat Barcelona in the Europa League last 16, and then the Carabao Cup Final.
While the season fell apart after that, the 2-1 win over City was among the high points of the Ten Hag era, with a raucous home atmosphere that Michael Carrick would love his side to recapture this weekend.
Marcus Rashford celebrates goal vs City
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
How United beat City 2-1
City took the lead in the second half through a rare goal from big-money flop Jack Grealish, before the Manchester United fightback began.
Bruno Fernandes scored a controversial equaliser via a quickly taken free-kick that left the City players furious, and they struggled to regain their composure.
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United’s second half substitutes helped to turn the tide, with Alejandro Garnacho providing the impact from the bench by setting up Marcus Rashford to net the winner from close range.
What is your standout memory of United’s win over City in 2023?
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Looking back at United’s XI
Only three players from the XI that started in 2023 are expected to start in 2026, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Luke Shaw.
Tyrell Malacia could make the matchday squad, but he has not started a Premier League game for United since late 2024.
In some ways this 2023 game against City was the peak of Malacia’s United career, with injuries wrecking his progress soon after. Shaw was notably playing at centre-back.
Anthony Martial led the line in this game, but was hooked at half-time after struggling to make an impact, replaced by Antony.
Casemiro will be pushing to start this fixture again in 2026, likely for the last time. The big question lies over who will partner him, with his 2023 pairing, Fred, sold two years ago.
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