Manchester derby: Fixed v fluid
Ahead of the Manchester derby, this analysis contrasts the tactical approaches of Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and Manchester United manager Michael Carrick. While City focuses on a rigid, positional structure inspired by Pep Guardiola, United employs a more fluid, freedom-based style.
Why it matters
The tactical clash between two major Premier League clubs highlights the evolution of modern football management philosophies.
Image caption, Enzo Maresca's City will face Michael Carrick's United on Sunday
Football tactics correspondent Published 13 September 2026, 06:44 BST There are many things that Manchester City and Manchester United have in common - but one thing decisively separates them this season.
Based just five miles apart and united by a shared desire to return to the top of the Premier League, their gameplans are almost diametrically opposed.
The best teams in the world often play in similar ways, as demonstrated in last season's Champions League final between between Paris St-Germain and Arsenal - teams who use similar shapes, look to dominate the ball, and encourage rotations into fixed positions.
But looking ahead to Sunday's Manchester derby, expect to see City boss Enzo Maresca and his United counterpart Michael Carrick field teams teams that play in a totally different way to each other.
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