Manchester Derby Preview: Man City vs Man United | Team News & Injuries

The first Manchester Derby of the season takes place at the Etihad as Manchester City host their city rivals United. Despite coming so early in the campaign, the result could have major implications for both sides. Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim will be hoping their teams can secure a result to kick-start their seasons after disappointing starts.

After a 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton on the opening day, many believed City were back to their best and ready to mount another Premier League title challenge. However, back-to-back defeats a 2-0 loss at Spurs and a 2-1 setback at Brighton have raised the same doubts that hung over them last season. The dominant, free-flowing football that brought six Premier League titles in the last eight years has yet to appear. Guardiola’s growing injury list doesn’t help either, with Cherki, Marmoush, Kovačić, Aït-Nouri, Gvardiol, Foden, and Stones all doubts for the derby.

There are positives for City, though. Erling Haaland has started the season strongly with three goals in three games, and new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to make his debut after arriving from PSG. Given James Trafford’s unconvincing recent performances, fans will be hoping the Italian goalkeeper can provide the stability needed between the posts if City are to stay in the title race.

Pep Guardiola underlined the challenge of the derby:

“It always is [dangerous] against United. They can beat us, of course,” he warned, before adding on Donnarumma’s debut: “I wouldn’t demand Gigi do something he is uncomfortable with. We are talking about the best goalkeeper I have ever seen with distribution, short and long passes, in Ederson.”

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim finds himself under pressure only three games into the season. On paper, four points from nine isn’t a disastrous start, but performances have left plenty to be desired. A scrappy 3-2 win over Burnley, a poor showing in a 1-1 draw with Fulham, and an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town have left fans questioning the direction of the team.

United’s injury problems add further challenges. New signing Matheus Cunha, the rejuvenated Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot have all been ruled out. £65m striker Benjamin Šeško is expected to lead the line in Cunha’s absence, offering him a chance to get his United career off the mark. With limited attacking options, Bruno Fernandes may be pushed into a more advanced role, opening a place in midfield for Manuel Ugarte or academy star Kobbie Mainoo, whose composure on the ball and energy could be vital in a heated derby.

Ruben Amorim reflected on what his side must do:

“The small details that sometimes we drop a little bit, not in these games. I’m more comfortable in these games, but we will be ready against a very, very good team. I think we are a better team [than in December]. If you see any aspect of the data, we are a different team. We are ready to play the game, but we have to show it on Sunday.”

He also touched on Kobbie Mainoo’s situation:

“Mainoo is uncomfortable having to fight for his Manchester United spot, but he has the potential. We know the expectations on him are big, but he is important for us, especially in games like this.”

Despite criticism of Amorim’s style of play, his teams have often performed well against the traditional “top six.” United fans will be hoping that trend continues, with the Red Devils looking to spoil City’s afternoon at the Etihad.

Both teams enter this derby under pressure and in search of momentum. For City, Haaland’s form and Donnarumma’s potential debut provide reasons for optimism, while United will look to their resilience, Kobbie Mainoo’s influence, and their record against stronger sides to snatch a result. With both managers needing a statement performance, this derby could set the tone for the rest of their seasons.An