If you're frantically checking your remote to see what channel is Manchester United today, you've probably realized that Thursday, January 15, is a bit of a quiet one at Old Trafford. But don't put the jersey away just yet. While there isn't a senior men’s match happening right this second, we are officially in the "calm before the storm" window.
The Reds are currently gearing up for one of the biggest fixtures of the 2025/26 season. It’s derby week. Ruben Amorim is preparing his squad to host Manchester City this Saturday, January 17.
Honestly, the schedule in January is always a bit of a mess with FA Cup replays and rearranged Premier League games, so it’s easy to get turned around. If you were hoping for a midweek fixture today, you’ve actually got 48 hours to find the good snacks and make sure your subscriptions haven't expired.
📖 Related: Are Bills In The Playoffs? Why Buffalo Still Matters Right Now
Where to Watch the Manchester Derby This Saturday
Since there's no game today, let’s talk about the massive clash on Saturday. This isn't just any game; it's Amorim's first taste of the Manchester derby since taking the reins.
In the UK, you’re looking at Sky Sports. They’ve got the exclusive on this one. Specifically, you’ll find the build-up starting at 11:00 AM on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for the traditional early slot of 12:30 PM GMT.
If you're across the pond in the USA, it’s a bright and early start. You can catch United vs. City on USA Network at 7:30 AM ET. For the cord-cutters, it’ll also be streaming on the NBC Sports app and Sling Blue.
Around the world, the broadcast landscape looks like this for the weekend:
- Australia: Optus Sport (Kick-off at 11:30 PM AEDT)
- India: Star Sports Select 1 or Disney+ Hotstar (Kick-off at 6:00 PM IST)
- Canada: FuboTV Canada
Why Isn't United Playing Today?
Basically, the Premier League has moved away from the congested "festive" style of constant midweek games as we hit mid-January. After the FA Cup third-round action against Brighton last Sunday (which, let's be real, was a bit of a nail-biter), the squad has been given a full week of training at Carrington.
It’s rare to get a Thursday night game unless you’re deep in the Europa League or a domestic cup semi-final. For 2026, the scheduling gods decided to give the players a breather before a brutal run that includes Arsenal at the end of the month.
📖 Related: Is There Basketball on Tonight? How to Find Every Game Right Now
MUTV and the Academy Schedule
If you’re absolutely desperate for a United fix today, January 15, you might want to check out MUTV. While the first team is resting, the channel often broadcasts re-runs of classic matches or "The Manager’s Press Conference" where Amorim usually drops hints about the starting XI for the weekend.
Keep an eye on the U21s too. They often play on Thursday or Friday nights in the Premier League International Cup. While today is quiet, the U21s have a huge game against Sporting CP U21s coming up, which is a bit of a "grudge match" for the boss.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Dodgers Game on DirecTV: Why It’s Usually Channel 690
Looking Ahead: The Rest of January
Once the derby is out of the way, the schedule doesn't get any easier. You’ll be asking what channel is Manchester United today again very soon because the games are coming thick and fast.
- January 17: Man Utd vs. Man City (Sky Sports / USA Network)
- January 25: Arsenal vs. Man Utd (Sky Sports / NBC)
The Arsenal game is a Sunday 4:30 PM GMT kick-off, which means it’ll be the "Super Sunday" feature. Expect a lot of Roy Keane and Gary Neville shouting at each other in the studio for that one.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't wait until Saturday morning to figure out your log-in details. If you're in the UK, check if your NOW Sky Sports Membership is active, as they often have 24-hour passes if you don't want a full contract. For those in the US, ensure your Peacock or Sling subscription is refreshed, as many "big" games are being pushed to streaming-only platforms this season. Lastly, download the official Manchester United App; it’s usually the fastest way to get the confirmed line-up an hour before kick-off, which is vital if you're tracking injury news on Hojlund or Rashford.