Manchester United vs Manchester City

The Manchester derby is the day the city splits in half. The 2025-26 season's reverse fixture at Old Trafford in late May is one of the biggest dates in the calendar regardless of league position.

What to expect

The biggest day in the Manchester football calendar. If you have a ticket, you already know what to expect. If you don't, the atmosphere across Manchester is unmistakable from morning kickoff onwards: pubs filling up by 11am, fans walking towards Old Trafford or the Etihad in their colours, and a city that talks about nothing else for 24 hours.

Practical info

• Old Trafford holds 74,000+ supporters

• Tickets are extremely difficult to get for non-season-ticket holders

• The match is broadcast in nearly every pub in central Manchester

• Best central sports bars: Sixes Social Cricket in Spinningfields, the Bierkeller, the larger pubs in the Northern Quarter

• Wear neutral if you don't have a side

• Don't get the tram from Old Trafford after the final whistle (walk to Cornbrook or Trafford Bar instead)

How to get there

Old Trafford has its own Metrolink stop on the Altrincham line, plus the Wharfside stop on the Eccles line. Trams run more frequently on match days. Walking from central Manchester takes around 30-40 minutes.

What's nearby

Plenty of pubs around Old Trafford for pre and post-match. The Bishop Blaize on Chester Road is the most famous. Sir Matt Busby Way is lined with options.