Dec 5, 2025 – Manchester United draw 1‑1 with West Ham after Diogo Dalot’s early strike is cancelled by Jarrod Bowen’s 83rd‑minute equaliser; interim manager Ruben Amorim says he feels “frustrated, angry” and vows not to repeat his earlier outburst, while former captain Roy Keane warns that “defensive and midfield huge question marks” are hurting United’s push for a top‑five finish; United’s next test comes against bottom‑placed Wolves on Monday[8].

Dec 27, 2025 – United deploy a back‑four for the first time under Amorim, securing a 1‑0 win at Newcastle thanks to Patrick Dorgu’s first‑half volley; 19‑year‑old Ayden Heaven debuts in central defence and earns man‑of‑the‑match honours, prompting Amorim to note “it will be hard to displace him if he continues to play like this” amid a crowded centre‑back injury list[7].

Jan 7, 2026 – Manchester City are held 1‑1 by Brighton, with Erling Haaland netting his 150th City goal but the side dropping three points in a row; injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones force Guardiola to recall academy defender Max Alleyne, while the club eyes a £65 m signing of Antoine Semenyo and a FA Cup tie against Exeter that could halt the slide[6].

Jan 17, 2026 – In Michael Carrick’s first match as interim manager, United beat City 2‑0 at Old Trafford with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu; Carrick hails Harry Maguire’s return, saying “Maguire was fantastic after only a few days of training,” while Guardiola concedes City “lacked the energy” needed to win[5].

Jan 17, 2026 – Carrick signs a contract until the end of the season, giving him 17 games to earn a permanent role; the Old Trafford crowd erupts as Alex Ferguson smiles, and the victory boosts United’s Champions League qualification hopes while City faces a congested spell of domestic and European fixtures[9].

Jan 25, 2026 – United pull off a “unbelievable” 3‑2 comeback win at Arsenal, with Michael Carrick’s 4‑2‑3‑1 system positioning Bruno Fernandes as a number‑10; late Matheus Cunha winner caps the turnaround, marking Arsenal’s first home defeat and tightening the title race as United’s resurgence continues[3].

Feb 1, 2026 – City surrender a 2‑2 draw at Tottenham after leading 2‑0, as Spurs’ halftime switch to a 4‑4‑1‑1 formation neutralises Guardiola’s side; former England midfielder Danny Murphy blames a “mindset” issue, saying “players become complacent when ahead and ‘switch off’,” while City’s experimental front‑two of Haaland and Antoine Semenyo fails to sustain pressure[2].

Feb 21, 2026 – City beat Newcastle 2‑1, with Erling Haaland named “man of the match” and Nico O’Reilly scoring both goals; Guardiola urges his squad to “enjoy life” with “caipirinhas and daiquiris” during a three‑day rest, while Arsenal prepare for a north‑London derby at Tottenham under interim boss Igor Tudor[1].