The Premier League’s fiercest rivalry takes center stage this Sunday as Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns in the first Manchester derby of the 2025/26 season at the Etihad.
Both sides arrive with more questions than answers. Pep Guardiola’s City have endured a shockingly sluggish start, sitting 13th after defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, already looking up at leaders Liverpool. Across town, Ruben Amorim’s United haven’t fared much better — one point higher in ninth, with pressure quickly mounting on the Portuguese coach after an uneven opening stretch.
City’s Situation
Despite their league position, City still carry firepower. Erling Haaland is in frightening form after smashing five goals for Norway during the break, and Gianluigi Donnarumma could mark his debut between the posts. Yet Guardiola has problems: Omar Marmoush is out, while John Stones and Rayan Aït-Nouri remain injury doubts.
United’s Challenge
United’s season has been a rollercoaster. A narrow defeat to Arsenal, a draw with Fulham, and a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby piled on the pressure. Their 3–2 win over Burnley steadied the ship, thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty, but consistency is still missing. With Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot sidelined, Amorim’s squad looks thin. Altay Bayındır is set to continue in goal, trusted ahead of new signing Senne Lammens, while Sesko and Mbeumo must step up in attack.
What’s at Stake
The Manchester derby never needs extra hype, but this one feels different. For City, it’s a chance to ignite a season that has stalled far too early. For United, it’s an opportunity to pile pressure on Guardiola and prove Amorim can steady the ship.
One thing is certain: when blue meets red under the lights at the Etihad, the Premier League spotlight won’t just be on bragging rights — it’ll be on survival, revival, and who blinks first.
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