The Manchester Derby is one of the world’s biggest derbies the match between historic heavyweights Manchester United and newly enriched Manchester City has not only decided the English Premier League but also has given fans a great game of football to enjoy.
With the title being anchored at Anfield with every passing day, this match presented the Citizens a chance to lessen the gap between themselves and Liverpool and truly challenge the Reds to an EPL title.
On the other hand, a poor start for Solskjær’s Red Devils has seen them being near the midtable of the Premier League. This win would continue their recent string of impressive runs, as seen by the victory against Tottenham Hotspur, and potentially climb to fifth place. With the Top Four separating from the pack, this was the Red Devils’ opportunity to get a climb on their opponents and get closer to the top.
In this tactical analysis, we will discuss the tactics used by Manchester City and Manchester United. We will have an analysis of how Solskjær was able to beat Guardiola in the Derby.
Lineups
Pep Guardiola only made one change to his team that beat Burnley 4-1: defender Nicolás Otamendi was replaced by Englishman John Stones.
On the red side of Manchester, Ole Gunnar Solskjær only made one change as well: forward, and youngster, Mason Greenwood was replaced by the forward Anthony Martial.


![Manchester City Vs Brighton [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: Why Pep Guardiola Tactics Dominated But Failed To Win – Tactical Analysis 3 Man City Vs Brighton 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-Vs-Brighton-20252026-350x250.png)
![Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The First Steps Of The Post-Rúben Amorim Era – Tactical Analysis 4 Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils New Ideas And Potential Tactical Changes – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Burnley-2-2-Manchester-United-tactical-analysis-350x250.png)
![Bournemouth Vs Tottenham Hotspur [3–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Plan Exposes Spurs Problems – Tactical Analysis 5 Bournemouth Vs Spurs 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bournemouth-Vs-Spurs-20252026-350x250.png)
![Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis 6 Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lazio-Vs-Napoli-tactical-analysis--350x250.png)
![Manchester City Vs Chelsea [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: How Chelsea Held Firm After Enzo Maresca Exit – Tactical Analysis 7 Man City 1-1 Chelsea - tactical analysis (1)](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-1-1-Chelsea-tactical-analysis-1-350x250.png)
![Espanyol Vs Barcelona [0–2] – La Liga 2025/2026: How Barça Survived The Derbi Barceloní – Tactical Analysis 8 Espanyol Barcelona Vs FC Barcelona La Liga 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Espanyol-Barcelona-Vs-FC-Barcelona-La-Liga-20252026-1-350x250.png)