Can You Watch Man United vs Man City for Free in the US Without Cable?

Watch Man United vs Man City for Free in the US Without Cable

The Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City is one of the most watched Premier League games of the season. For viewers in the United States, the big question is simple:

Can I watch it live for free, legally, in the US?

The answer is yes — sometimes, but only under specific conditions. Below is a clear, up-to-date guide for American viewers, explaining what is free, what is paid, and what to avoid.

The short answer

• ✅ Yes, it can be free if the match is shown on NBC’s main network and you have an antenna

• ❌ No, it is not free if it airs on USA Network or Peacock only

• ⚠️ “Free streams” on random websites are illegal and risky

The key is which NBCUniversal platform is carrying the game.

Read more:

- Premier League Matchday 22 Fixtures and TV Schedule: Dates, UK Kick-off Times and Previews

- 'Red Devils' Manchester United - Most Successful Club in England

- Manchester Derby: Blood, Pride, and Everything on the Line

Where Man United vs Man City airs in the US

In the US, Premier League rights belong to NBCUniversal. Matches rotate across three platforms:

• NBC (free over-the-air network)

• USA Network (cable channel)

• Peacock (paid streaming service)

For marquee games like the Manchester derby, NBC often places the match in a national broadcast window, but this is not guaranteed every season.

Option 1: Watch live on NBC (FREE with antenna)

If the match is scheduled on NBC, this is the only truly free and legal way to watch in the US.

How it works

• You need a digital TV antenna

• No cable, no subscription

• Works anywhere with NBC local coverage

What you get

• Full live match

• Pre-match studio show

• Professional commentary and analysis

NBC often reserves this treatment for:

• Manchester derbies

• Title-deciding matches

• Late-season showdowns

Check your local NBC listings a few days before kickoff to confirm.

Option 2: Watch live on Peacock (paid, easiest)

If the match is not on NBC, the simplest legal option is Peacock.

• Website: https://www.peacocktv.com

• App: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV

• Plan required: Peacock Premium

Peacock shows every Premier League match live, even when NBC or USA Network are not carrying it.

This is the most reliable option for US fans who don’t want to check listings every week.

Option 3: Watch on USA Network (cable login)

If the derby airs on USA Network, you will need:

• A cable or live TV streaming subscription (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Fubo)

• Or a family/friend’s TV provider login

This option is legal but not free unless you already have access.

Option 4: Listen for free (legal, no video)

If you’re okay without pictures, you can follow the entire match live and free via radio.

• BBC Radio 5 Live

• Available in the US via the BBC Sounds app or website

This is popular with:

• Fans on the road

• Viewers watching delayed highlights

• Those pairing audio with live stats apps

Highlights: free and legal

Even if you miss the live broadcast, you can still watch the key moments legally:

• NBC Sports YouTube channel (short highlights)

• Peacock (extended highlights)

• Match of the Day clips via BBC platforms (availability varies by region)

The bottom line for US viewers

• Free live viewing is possible — only if the match is on NBC

• Peacock is the easiest guaranteed option

• USA Network requires a TV subscription

• Unofficial streams are illegal and unsafe

For one of the Premier League’s biggest fixtures, NBCUniversal ensures broad access — but knowing where to look makes all the difference.