The first Manchester derby of the 2025/26 Premier League season arrives on Sunday, as United make the short trip across town to face Pep Guardiola’s City at the Etihad. Both clubs have endured stuttering starts, meaning this clash carries even more weight than usual.
City sit 13th after defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, while United are only marginally better off in ninth, their only win coming in a chaotic 3-2 against Burnley before the international break. With pressure already building on Ruben Amorim and Guardiola searching for solutions after a summer of upheaval, the stakes are as high as ever.
The Etihad will be bouncing, the tension in both dugouts will be tangible, and the 197th Manchester derby promises all the drama of a season-defining encounter. Cast your mind back to last year and Amad Diallo’s dramatic last minute winner at the Etihad – this is a fixture that often delivers big moments.
Manchester United Team News
United’s campaign has already been stop-start. After an opening-day defeat to Arsenal and a frustrating draw at Fulham, Amorim’s Reds were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby before Fernandes’ late penalty rescued victory against Burnley.
Amorim confirmed that Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot are all unavailable for the derby, while Lisandro Martínez remains a long-term absentee. Noussair Mazraoui could come into the side, but goalkeeper remains the most debated position: despite new signing Senne Lammens joining before the deadline, Amorim has backed Altay Bayindir to start again.
Manchester United Possible Lineup:
Bayindir;
Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw;
Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu
Mbeumo, Sesko, Fernandes.
Manchester City Team News
Guardiola has had plenty to contend with in recent weeks.
A bright 4-0 opening day win at Wolves was followed by back-to-back league defeats, with City’s defensive frailties exposed. Injuries haven’t helped – Omar Marmoush and Rico Lewis are sidelined, John Stones remains a doubt, and summer signing Rayan Cherki is unavailable until November.
On the plus side, Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to make his debut in goal, while Phil Foden is pushing for a return after missing England duty. Erling Haaland remains in lethal form, fresh from scoring five for Norway during the break.
United’s approach
Amorim’s philosophy has been clear: high pressing, vertical football, and pace in transition. Against Arsenal and Burnley, United created plenty of chances by breaking lines quickly and relying on Fernandes to dictate tempo.
With Sesko likely to start, United will have a focal point to stretch City’s back line, while Mbeumo’s direct runs offer threat in behind. Fernandes drifting forward should provide creativity between the lines, but much depends on whether Bayindir can cope with City’s pressure, the prolific Erling Haaland providing the main threat.
Defensive lapses at set-pieces and in build-up have cost United already this season, and Amorim cannot afford similar errors in a derby. The central midfield pairing need to exert and element of control, which is why weve gone for Ugarte and Casemiro over a more progressive passer like Kobbie Mainoo.
Opposition Preview
City may be low in the table, but Guardiola’s men remain dangerous. Haaland is firing, Doku’s dribbling provides chaos from wide, and Reijnders has impressed since arriving from Milan. What’s missing has been control and consistency – two qualities that City sides under Guardiola usually excel in.
At home, though, they remain formidable. Even after defeats, the Etihad atmosphere, coupled with Guardiola’s tactical tweaks, means United must be at their sharpest from the first whistle. City will look to suffocate possession, drag United into wide areas, and exploit Bayindir’s uncertainty with high pressing.
Signs of Promise for United
Despite the bumps, there are positives for Amorim. Fernandes continues to deliver in decisive moments, Sesko looks ready for a bigger role, and De Ligt has settled into the defence with authority. Mbeumo, meanwhile, is already showing flashes of why he was signed – stretching play and adding another layer of unpredictability in attack.
If United can build on those sparks, keep their defensive shape, and take their chances, this could be the match where the new project truly announces itself.
Form Guide
Manchester City form (PL): WLL
Manchester United form (PL): LDW
Prediction
Derbies rarely follow form, and both sides are desperate for a result after underwhelming starts. United must be compact and clinical, while City will look to dominate and feed Haaland early.
If United can survive the opening storm and exploit City’s defensive absences, a statement result is possible. The Etihad remains one of the toughest places to go, but Pep Guardiola’s side are on the ropes, and tomorrow is a great chance to get one over on the noisy neighbours
Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
