A New Era of Rivalry – The Manchester Derby at Etihad Stadium Welcome to a deep dive into the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium – one of football’s fiercest and most exciting rivalries, where sparks almost always fly. Join us as SportsBreaks explores the history, intense fan rivalry and a selection of the unforgettable matches that have defined this fixture throughout the ages. Manchester United v Manchester City – The Birth of a Rivalry The early Manchester Derbies featured neither Manchester United nor Manchester City… Instead, both clubs plied their trade under different names. Manchester City started life under the name St. Mark’s (West Gorton) in 1880, established by the Church in a district of Manchester. They underwent a name change in 1887, becoming Ardwick Association Football Club, and it was not until 1894 that the name Manchester City Football Club was born. In 1878, Manchester United were originally Newton Heath LYR Football Club, a team for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, who joined the Football League in 1892. The first recorded Manchester Derby took place on November 12, 1881, under their early names, with St. Mark’s (West Gorton) playing against Newton Heath. Newton Heath won 3-0, a match symbolic of the growing football culture in Manchester. As both teams grew, their meetings became more frequent and their rivalry intensified, especially after both clubs found their permanent names and homes. The Lions’ tours provide a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best rugby talent play together, creating an exhilarating blend of rivalry and camaraderie among the nations of the British Isles. This tradition has not only shaped rugby’s history but also contributed to the sport’s cultural heritage, with every tour adding to the legacy of epic contests, unforgettable moments and a fierce pride in wearing the iconic red jersey. The Early Life of Etihad Stadium By the early 20th century, clashes between the two teams had grown into significant events for the local population. Manchester City’s transition from the historic Maine Road to the modern Etihad Stadium in 2003 marked a pivotal moment in the club’s evolution. Originally constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the stadium—initially known as the City of Manchester Stadium—had a seating capacity of 41,000, which was later expanded to over 53,000. This ground quickly became a stronghold for City, especially after it was renamed the Etihad Stadium in 2011 following a profitable sponsorship agreement with Etihad Airways. The relocation underscored Manchester City’s aspirations to become not just a regional force, but a global footballing powerhouse.