Man United vs Man City: Premier League Manchester Derby
Old Trafford will host another derby day today as Manchester United takes on Manchester City. With Kevin De Bruyne playing his last derby before leaving English football, pride, points, and Champions League positioning are on the line.
Manchester United
Manchester United came into the derby after a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in midweek. Ruben Amorim’s side has had a tough season, losing 13 Premier League games so far. Defensive lapses and inconsistency have been the problem, with United mid-table and struggling to find rhythm at home where they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 8 league games.
Injury worries make things worse for Amorim. Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans are out, while Matthijs de Ligt is a major doubt after picking up an injury midweek. Harry Maguire will start alongside Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro in a back three. Mason Mount will start after returning from injury, while Rasmus Højlund will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho; Højlund.
Manchester City
Manchester City comes into this derby without star striker Erling Haaland due to an ankle injury. Pep Guardiola’s side has had injury problems all season but are 5th in the table and wants to finish in the top 4. Despite missing key players like Rodri, Nathan Ake, and John Stones, City’s midfield depth and tactical flexibility make them competitive.
Kevin De Bruyne will play a big role in his last derby but may start from the bench as Guardiola rotates his squad. Omar Marmoush will lead the line in Haaland’s absence, with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku on the flanks.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Marmoush.
Key Stats
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Manchester United are aiming for their first Premier League double over Manchester City since 2019/20 after winning 2-1 at the Etihad earlier this season.
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Manchester City have won more Premier League away games at Old Trafford (9) than any other visiting side.
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United are unbeaten in their last three matches against City across all competitions (W2 D1).
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The away team has won 10 of the last 18 Premier League Manchester derbies—a fixture where visiting sides frequently triumph.
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Under Ruben Amorim, United have conceded 17 goals in nine home league games—the worst defensive record at Old Trafford in Premier League history.
Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s final Manchester Derby promises an emotional farewell for one of the league’s most iconic playmakers. Known for his vision and creativity, De Bruyne has been instrumental in defining this rivalry over the years. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his ability to control midfield battles could be decisive for City.
Man United vs Man City Prediction
Despite Manchester United’s home advantage and recent success against City, their defensive vulnerabilities make them susceptible against Guardiola’s tactically astute side. Expect a closely contested match with City edging out a narrow victory.
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
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