Manchester derby: Inside century-old rivalry that defines English football

With approximately four miles (6.4 km) of land separating them, the rivalry between the Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs has, over the years, transcended the shores of Europe to become a global discourse.

On Derby Day, fans all over the world converge, wearing red or blue shirts, to witness another 2 hours of a showpiece that has outlived a century. Whether at the viewing centres in Lagos or pubs in New York, the temper rises and the debate continues.

Both teams have played 196 matches in all competitions. With United winning 80, City 61 and the remaining 55 have been drawn. Amongst the most successful clubs in England, they have won a combined 104 honours: 68 for Manchester United and 36 for Manchester City. 

United and City are also the first two English clubs and the world’s first cross-city rivals to have won a continental treble; United’s success came in 1999, while City’s occurred 24 years later.

Rivalry from late 19th century

Recorded the first meeting in 1881, the teams Manchester United (then Newton Heath) and Manchester City (then St. Mark’s West Gorton) have witnessed 144 years of intense rivalry. This first encounter was witnessed by only a handful of spectators but set a precedent for a rivalry that would endure for more than a century.

By the early 20th century, the Manchester Derby was already drawing attention in English football. The major turnaround was the first competitive floodlit derby of 1956 FA Charity Shield match, as Manchester United, who happened to be the defending league champions, locked horns with Manchester City, FA Cup holders. 

The game was a break with tradition as Charity Shield games were typically played at the home ground of the League Champions, but as Old Trafford had yet to install lights, the game was played at Maine Road.

United’s dominance

For decades, Manchester United has proven superiority over its City rival. While United pride themselves on League titles and European honours, City continues to endure periods of struggle. 

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United widened the gap and not only conquered English football, but also stamped their authority over their ‘noisy’ neighbours. Derbies in this period were often defined by United’s superiority.

‘New money’ and Aguero’s defining moment

Sheikh Mansour’s arrival in 2008 and his investment in Manchester City have not only transformed the club but have also rewritten the history. The influx of cash allowed for the purchase of elite footballing talent, dramatically improving the team’s competitiveness. 

From world-class managers to the signing of elite players like Samir Nasir, Calours Tevez, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Kelvin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, the club has successfully moved from mid-table competitor to global powerhouse. 

Suddenly, the narrative changes and Derby was no longer a battle between an underdog and a giant but a clash that City almost had bragging rights. 

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