The Manchester Derby is one of the most ferocious rivalries in all of sports. Once considered a bygone conclusion in Man United’s favour, these days, it’s the blue side of Manchester that enjoys most of the spoils of success.
But you know what they say, right? In derby games, form goes out the window. So, despite Manchester City chasing Arsenal in second place and United battling it out in fourth with Newcastle and Tottenham, it doesn’t mean much.
After all, even when City were a considerably weaker side than their Red Devil counterparts, they still managed to conjure up a shock win here or there. (Here’s to you, Shaun Goater.) Furthermore, Manchester United have managed to find a rich vein of form recently in a transitional season with new coach Erik Ten Hag.
The point we’re trying to make here is that anything can happen – and the latest Man City vs Man Utd odds prove that.
So why not take advantage of that with a well-timed punt?
Man City vs Man United Betting Odds
- Manchester United – 17/5
- Manchester City – 8/11
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 – 8/13
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 – 5/4
- BTTS: Yes – 3/5
- BTTS: No – 5/4
The Premier League betting sites have set their stall out for a high-scoring affair in favour of Manchester City.
This isn’t surprising, as the last time these two teams met, Manchester United were rocked in a 6-3 thriller in which two of City’s biggest stars, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, bagged a hat trick each.
A lot has changed since then, though. Manchester United are certainly a much stronger outfit than they were and the benefit of a home advantage makes this a far more favourable contest for the Red Devils.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Game Info
- Teams: Man United (4th) vs. Man City (2nd)
- Game Date: Saturday, January 14th
- Time: 12.30 PM GMT
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Channel: BT Sport
- Odds: Check here
Manchester City and Manchester United Derby History
You know how they sometimes say, ‘it’s a game of two halves’. Well, this rivalry might be a game of two generations.
Historically, United are still out ahead with 77 wins to City’s 58, but recently, the tides have turned.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United have failed to stay a dominant force in the world of football. There have been some small highs but far more dramatic lows and a search for an identity in the post-Fergie era.
The same cannot be said for the blue half of Manchester. The Abu Dhabi Group took over the club in 2008, starting off an incredible turnaround in the club’s fortunes both on and off the pitch.
Mark Hughes was installed as manager, and talented Brazilian star Robinho was one of the first signings of a new generation. Since then, it’s been revealed that the striker assumed he was moving to Manchester to sign for United. We don’t think anyone would be making that mistake these days.
While Sir Alex Ferguson remained manager of United until 2013 and his retirement, during that time, City grew in stature as a club. In fact, it was in April 2013 that City started a run of four Premier League games unbeaten against United, demonstrating the shift in power across the city.
Despite Manchester City unquestionably being the better side these days, United have made it a point of pride to remain competitive in their personal rivalry. It’s only just recently the wheels have seemingly come off again, with City racking up three straight wins culminating in that humiliating 6-3 loss last October.
All eyes will be on Erik Ten Hag and his men on Saturday to see if they can come up with a response to that humbling.
>> Man City vs Man Utd derby odds
City vs United Odds: Who Will Win, and How?
Derby games are never easy to predict. So that automatically might make you wary of having a bet. But sometimes, it’s the uncertainty that provides the edge for some value punts. That being said, let’s take a look at how this game might unfold.
Manchester United Will Win If:
Marcus Rashford continues his form: Rashford, much like the club itself, has undergone a type of renaissance under new coach Erik Ten Hag. Plagued by injury seasons before, the England striker is now back to enjoying some of the best form of his career, scoring five goals in his last five games. It’s hard to believe he’s still only 25 years old, having been playing football for what seems like decades. Finally, after many flashes and false starts – could this be the true apex of his ability?
David De Gea cuts out the mistakes: In recent years, De Gea has been somewhat of a lone bright spot for Manchester United. Through tumultuous times, he’s remained consistent and was even named the club’s player of the year last season. However, mistakes have recently begun to creep back into his game. He had a howler against Everton in the F.A. Cup, but fortunately for United, it didn’t amount to much. He won’t be given the same grace against City, and will need to be at the top of his game.
They take advantage of the longer recovery time: Both teams are in action mid-week in the Carabao Cup, but Manchester United play their game a day earlier against Charlton on Tuesday, January 10th. City are up the next day against Southampton on Wednesday, January 11th. It might not seem like much, but a day can be a long time in professional sports, especially when it comes to fitness and recovery.
>> Click here to bet on Manchester United to win
Manchester City Will Win If:
Erling Haaland is Erling Haaland: There’s not much else to say that hasn’t already been said about Haaland. The nordic sensation is no footballing secret, yet some people still questioned whether he’d be able to re-create his prolific goal-scoring form in the Premier League. He’s put that question to bed already; only halfway through the season, bagging 21 goals in 16 games. If he’s as up for it as he was last time out, don’t be surprised if you see another hat trick.
Riyad Mahrez gets the nod: Sometimes it’s difficult to forget a player of Mahrez’s calibre in amongst City’s superstars. But the fact is he’s been one of their best signings since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium from former Premier League champions Leicester in 2018. When he’s allowed to, he provides moments of pure inspiration and genius and has easily been one of the club’s best players since the season re-start after the World Cup.
They win the battle of the dark arts: Much has been made of Pep’s commitment to the dark arts in Manchester City’s combative midfield, famously known for engaging in endless transitional fouls and aggressive tactics. He will need to be on top of his game against this United side, featuring the likes of Casemiro and Fred, neither of which will take his game plan laying down.
>> Click here to bet on Manchester City to win
Man City vs Manchester United Betting Guide & Predictions
Marcus Rashford to Score – 3/1
Given the scoring streak Rashford is on, 3/1 is way too high a value not to take. City’s backline is ravaged by injuries, and it’s not as if Rashford is a stranger to stepping up in the moment. He doesn’t have the greatest goal-scoring record against City, but it’s a new dawn for Marcus, and he can get that monkey off his back right here.
BTTS: Yes – 3/5
Another one with fairly straightforward logic here. It’s a derby game, and you’d expect both teams to give their all and go for broke as a matter of pride. It is an odds on punt, which makes it less attractive, but if you’re looking for one to comfortably chuck in an accumulator – this is a decent shout.
Manchester United + 1 – 21/20
United are at home and find themselves on a hot streak. In fact, they are only four points behind their opponents City who are second in the league. What we’re trying to say is this is a winnable game for Manchester United despite what the odds say. It’s even more attractive with the 1-point advantage, and the odds don’t take too much of a tumble.
Want to make some live bets on this game? Check out our guide to in-play football betting.
Get a Bonus for Betting on the Manchester Derby (Manchester City vs Manchester United)
Only valid for new registrations. Existing members do not qualify. Bet must be placed using real money in combination with the Odds Boost Token. Offer applies to Sport bets only. Maximum total stake is £10. Each way bets are a maximum of £5 each way (£10 total stake). If you stake less than £10 you will forfeit the remaining amount of the odds boost token. ‘Double the odds’ refers to fractional odds only. Customers have 60 days after registration to use the Odds Boost token. A maximum of 1 offer is available per person, household, IP, device, e-mail address or payment details. Member bet limits also apply to Odds Boost token placement. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Full T&Cs apply.
Register at Grosvenor Sport to make your bets for the Manchester Derby, and you’ll be given a bonus. Check out the details below:
Double The Odds is a welcome promotion for the Grosvenor Sportsbook. It’s only available to new users. Once you’ve registered a new account, you’ll be given the opportunity to double the odds on your first bet.
This will be activated by a 100% odds boost token, credited to your account once you have finished the sign-up process and been verified. Here are some of the more notable terms and conditions you’ll need to be aware of:
- Maximum £10 bet, or £5 each way
- Only the profit is doubled
- Any member betting limits also apply
- 60 days until expiry
Where to Bet on the Manchester Derby (Man City vs Man United)?
There is no shortage of excellent football betting sites out there, ready and waiting to take your bets for the Manchester Derby.
But how do you know which are the best? Our experts have done the hard work for you and come up with a conclusion. Read on to find out.
Our number one choice for UK bettors is Grosvenor Sports, an in-depth, feature-rich, and reputable sportsbook that has been happily serving customers online for many years. We’ve highlighted some of its stand-out attributes below:
Reputation: Grosvenor has roots in the UK hospitality industry and ran many successful brick-and-mortar casinos during the 1970s. They expanded into online gambling and set up their own sportsbook to go alongside their online casino action, which has built up a reputation for reliability and excellent usability.
Competitive Odds: It pays to shop around when finding the best odds available for your bet, but with Grosvenor Sport, nine times out of 10, they already have the best price you’re going to get. Plus, they feature incredible odds boosts tokens which can give you next-level value unmatched by other bookmakers.
Bonuses: Grosvenor features a range of bonuses for both new and existing players. We have already mentioned their excellent double-the-odds welcome promotion, but they also feature other great offers too, such as Best Odds Guaranteed on horse racing betting, In-Play Cash Back on the NBA, and Boost Drop Tokens on selected sporting events.
Related Reading: Champions League odds
Why Bet on the Manchester Derby?
Why not? Is probably the more pertinent question. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in sports, and there’s nothing that makes the action just a little bit sweeter than some well-researched bets.
Plus:
- It’s a derby game, which brings up all kinds of interesting possibilities from a betting perspective. It’s not just a case of studying the form and hoping for the best. There’s edges to be found here if you know what you’re talking about.
- This is the biggest game of the weekend, and will hundreds of thousands of people across the world will have some skin in the game. It’s a perfect time to jump in on the world of betting if you haven’t already.
- We’re approaching the business end of the season, where finals are going to be played, and every game means a little bit more. It’s a great starting point to get involved now ready for the real action starts.
Related Article: New UK betting sites
Manchester Derby Key Players
Marcus Rashford: His the name on everybody’s lips in the red half of Manchester, and that’s for good reason. He’s hit a rich vein of form, scoring five goals in his past five appearances. The United faithful will look to him to come up big against their neighbours this weekend.
Luke Shaw: He has had an unlikely galvanisation as a makeshift Manchester United centre-back in the last two games. While he’s unlikely to draw any comparisons to Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand anytime soon, his new position has seen him put in some impressive performances and even scoring a goal in the process.
Erling Haaland: What do Erling Haaland and Marvel universe villain Thanos have in common? Something about inevitability. We’ll spare you the memes, as we’re sure you’ve seen most of them before, but there really is something unrelenting and unstoppable about the nordic wonder kid. Who knew putting such a generationally talented youngster in the perfect situation to complement his abilities under one of the greatest coaches of all time could have resulted in this?
Riyad Mahrez: Since the restart, the 31-year-old Algerian has been a mighty weapon for Pep Guardiola to call upon, notching up three goals in his last four games, along with an assist to boot. He’s not a guaranteed starter for City, which is mind-boggling in itself, but he’s more than earned his place for this game.
Guide to Betting on Man City vs Man United
What is the ‘Manchester Derby’?
The Manchester Derby is a rivalry football game between two Manchester football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Who’s the favourite to win the Manchester Derby?
The favourites to win this year’s Manchester Derby is Manchester City, with opening odds of 8/11.
Where’s the Manchester Derby being played?
This iteration of the Manchester Derby is being played at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s home ground.
Who leads the all-time Manchester Derby in wins?
Manchester United lead the way historically with 77 wins.
Are Manchester United in the title race?
Not really? It’s difficult to say. The race this year is wildly seen as a two-horse one between Manchester City and Arsenal, who have unexpectedly taken a five-point lead at the top of the table.
If United manage to win this game, perhaps that opens them up to have a chance. That being said, if City doesn’t win – many people will be writing their chances off of catching Arsenal. So how can United join a race that theoretically may not exist after this weekend anymore?
Where’s the best place to bet on Manchester United vs Manchester City?
Our top pick is Grosvenor Sport, a well established brand that has been a part of the UK gambling industry for many years. Its online sportsbook offers competitive odds, a wide range of markets, and top bonuses to choose from.
Are you on the Blue or Red Side of Manchester in this Premier League Clash of the Titans?
The Manchester Derby is always a special occasion. Even if you aren’t a fan of either of the clubs involved, it’s a chance to watch two of the best outfits in the premier league go at it for a matter of pride as well as significant top 4 ramifications.
If United manage to win, that puts them one point behind their blue ‘noisy’ neighbours and firmly in the driving seat for Champions League football. If City fails to beat United, it may signal an early end to their hopes of a third consecutive Premier League title, with Arsenal developing an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
At this point, we think United are the better value bet. But City are the favourites for a reason. They are ruthless as they are effective, so don’t be surprised if they manage to beat United away from home emphatically.
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