Ahead of his first Manchester derby as manager, Enzo Maresca has defended comments made by summer signing Elliot Anderson. Upon joining the club from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million deal, Anderson described Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester.” Maresca indicated he agrees with the midfielder’s assessment, pointing to the club's recent dominance in English football.

Manchester City enters the match following a strong start to the season under Maresca’s leadership. The debate over the city's footballing hierarchy centers on the stark contrast in success between the two clubs over the last 14 years. During this period, Manchester City has secured eight Premier League titles, while Manchester United has won one.

While the sentiment reflects the current competitive gap between the clubs, it has added a layer of tension to the upcoming fixture at Old Trafford. The match serves as an opportunity for City to validate Anderson's claim on the pitch, while Manchester United will look to challenge the narrative in front of their home supporters. The Guardian reports that Maresca views the statement as a reasonable reflection of the club's recent achievements rather than an inflammatory remark.