How to Watch Man United vs Man City for Free in Europe: Legal Options Explained Country by Country
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| How to Watch Man United vs Man City for Free in Europe |
The Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City is one of the Premier League’s most watched fixtures worldwide. Across Europe, fans ask a simple but important question:
Is there any easy, free and legal way to watch Man United vs Man City live?
The answer depends on where you live. In most European countries, live Premier League coverage sits behind a paywall. However, there are still legal, low-effort ways to follow the match for free or at minimal cost.
Below is a clear, country-by-country guide focused on Germany, France, Italy, Spain and several other European markets.
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
Germany
Live TV situation
In Germany, Premier League rights are held by Sky Deutschland.
There is no free-to-air live broadcast of Premier League matches. Full live coverage requires a Sky subscription.
Free and legal alternatives
Fans can follow the match via live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, available through BBC Sounds. Highlights are published later the same day on official Premier League channels and sports news platforms. Many bars also show Sky Germany with commercial licenses.
Bottom line: No legal free live stream in Germany.
France
Live TV situation
Premier League matches in France are broadcast by Canal+.
Live matches are not available on free television. A Canal+ subscription is required for live viewing.
Free and legal alternatives
Short highlight packages are widely available later the same evening. Audio commentary via BBC Radio 5 Live remains a legal free option. Occasionally, Canal+ runs promotional access periods, but major derbies are rarely included.
Italy
Live TV situation
In Italy, Premier League rights belong to Sky Italia.
Live matches are not shown free on national television. A Sky subscription is required.
Free and legal alternatives
Highlights are available on Italian sports websites and official Premier League platforms. Radio commentary via BBC Radio 5 Live is accessible, and many sports bars show Sky Italia coverage.
Spain
Live TV situation
Premier League matches in Spain are carried by DAZN.
Live matches require a DAZN subscription and are not free-to-air.
Free and legal alternatives
DAZN occasionally offers selected matches free, but high-profile fixtures like the Manchester derby are rarely included. Highlights are available later the same day, and BBC Radio 5 Live provides free live commentary in English.
Netherlands
Live TV situation
Premier League rights are held by Viaplay.
Live coverage requires a subscription.
Free and legal alternatives
Fans can rely on radio commentary and same-day highlights only.
Portugal
Live TV situation
Premier League matches are shown on Sport TV.
Live viewing requires a paid subscription.
Free and legal alternatives
Highlights are available later in the evening, and many licensed venues show the match using commercial subscriptions.
Belgium and Austria
In Belgium, coverage is provided through platforms such as Telenet, while Austria relies on Sky or DAZN partners. In both countries, live matches are behind a paywall. Free access is limited to highlights and radio commentary.
Is there any country in Europe showing the match live for free?
With very few exceptions, Premier League rights across Europe are sold exclusively to pay-TV and streaming platforms. As a result:
There is no legal free live broadcast on public television.
Social media or unofficial streaming sites are illegal.
Websites offering “free live Premier League streams” should be avoided.
The easiest free and legal options across Europe
For fans who want to stay legal and avoid subscriptions, the most reliable options are:
BBC Radio 5 Live for full live commentary.
Official highlight packages later the same day.
Licensed pubs and sports bars showing the match legally.
Short-term promotional trials, where available.
Bottom line for European fans
There is no guaranteed free live stream of Man United vs Man City in most European countries. Paid broadcasters dominate Premier League coverage. Free, legal alternatives exist if fans are willing to follow via audio or highlights. Illegal streams are unsafe and not worth the risk.
The Manchester derby is a premium global event. Across Europe, access is straightforward, but rarely free.
