image via -@ManCity/ X

How Many Manchester Derbies Are There? Exploring the Rich History Behind Manchester United vs. Manchester City Games

Manchester City has won 15 derby games against United’s 10 wins since 2015.

image via -@ManCity/ X

One of the most high-profile derbies in the world of football is the ‘Manchester Derby.’ With Manchester United’s rich history and City’s recent success, this fixture has turned into an intense battle between the Blue and Red part of Manchester. From clashing in the Premier League to a few Cup knockouts, the contest between the giants of Manchester has been a regular source of thrill over the past century.

It started on November 12, 1881 when the two teams first crossed paths, when St. Mark’s (West Gorton), the club that would eventually evolve into Manchester City, welcomed Newton Heath LYR, the club that is now known as Manchester United. From the heated matchups on the pitch to the fans’ back and forth banter, it is always a high-intensity game between the two clubs of Manchester.

The first league game between the two clubs of Manchester came in the 1894-95 season. It became a tradition to support either one of the clubs in Manchester after the Second World War. Developing a strong rivalry, the match-up has played a huge role in the football culture of Manchester as well.

Wayne Rooney still owns the Manchester Derby 😤🔴 pic.twitter.com/8dylH5gpCG
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 6, 2025

How many Manchester Derbies are there?

There have been 195 Manchester Derbies played throughout history, as of April 2025. Manchester United holds the longest unbeaten streak in the derby going 16 games unbeaten from 1990 to 2001. Ryan Giggs (most player appearances) and Wayne Rooney (most goals -11) in the Manchester Derby played huge roles in this success.

Their 196th matchup will commence on April 6, 2025 at the Old Trafford Stadium. After Manchester United managed a dying-moment comeback in the reverse fixture in December, Pep Guardiola and his men will be keen to avenge the loss as they seek Champions League qualification.

🚨✨ Man United’s 17 year old talent Gabriel Kukonki will make the bench for today’s Derby against Manchester City.

He’s considered as top talent by the club and Rúben Amorim. pic.twitter.com/EyK8mX9oxP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2025

Who Has Won the Most Manchester Derbies?

Manchester United has won the most derby games among the two clubs of Manchester. Dominating from the early era till the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United always had a cutting edge over the blue side of Manchester. However, since the arrival of Guardiola, Manchester City has managed to pull back some significant numbers.

Manchester City has won 15 games against Manchester United since 2015. Having five fewer wins than the Cityzens, the Red Devils see a significant change in the numbers moving Manchester City’s way. However, having an end-to-end contest irrespective of how clubs are doing in the bigger picture has always been a trait of the battle in Manchester.

Here is an overview of the head-to-head record of Manchester City vs Manchester United:

Manchester United: 80
Drawn: 54
Manchester City: 61

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The balance of power in Manchester has swung back and forth over the years, with both Manchester United and Manchester City enjoying their moments at the top. United dominated for much of the past, but City’s rise under new ownership and top-tier management has brought a fresh spark to the rivalry. In recent years, their head-to-head battles have been incredibly close, making the derby a true clash of the titans.

Manchester City

Manchester Derby

Manchester United

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!