Manchester Derby: Who Will Dominate as Man United and Man City Clash at Old Trafford?

Manchester United vs Manchester City: Squad News, Tactics and Prediction

Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13, 2026,as the two old rivals renew their Premier League rivalry in the first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 season.

The match kicks off at 18:30, with both sides coming into the clash after Champions League victories. Manchester City beat Porto 2-0, while Manchester United recorded a 4-0 victory over Sabah.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expects a difficult match against a Manchester City side that has strengthened its squad.

However, Carrick believes United have also improved their squad and are ready for the challenge.

“We’re looking forward to it, you know. It’s a challenge. They’re a good team. They’ve strengthened their squad. But we have as well.”

He added,“We’re expecting a big challenge tonight.”

United have had a mixed start to their Premier League campaign. They lost 2-0 to Hull City, beat Ipswich Town 5-2 and drew 2-2 with Everton.

Their Premier League form is LWD, while their form in all competitions is LWDW.

Manchester City Manager Maresca Wants Derby Victory

For Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, Sunday’s fixture will be his first Manchester derby. The City boss knows the importance of the rivalry and wants to begin his derby journey with a win.

“The Manchester derby is very important and for sure its my first derby and I want to win it”

City have made a perfect start to the Premier League season, winning all three of their matches. Their Premier League form is WWW, while their record in all competitions is LWWWW.

A victory at Old Trafford would see City win their first four Premier League games of a season for the seventh time, which would become a new outright record ahead of Chelsea’s six.

Manchester United Squad News

Luke Shaw missed United’s Champions League victory over Sabah after suffering a bout of cramp at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Carrick provided an update on the defender, meaning Shaw should be available for the derby. The match could also mark Shaw’s 300th Premier League appearance.

However, United will be without Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo due to their respective injuries. Carrick also faces a selection decision in attack.

Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha both scored in the victory over Sabah, while Marcus Rashford could be the player to miss out on the starting XI.

Possible Manchester United starting lineup:

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.

Manchester City’s Squad News

Erling Haaland will lead the City attack as he looks to add to his strong record against Manchester United.

The Norwegian has scored eight goals in seven Premier League appearances against United, although only two of those goals have come at Old Trafford.

City are expected to be without Jeremy Doku, who is still struggling with a calf problem. Nico O’Reilly, meanwhile, is back after pulling out of the lineup against Coventry with a back injury.

Enzo Fernandez made his full debut in that match and should keep his place after also impressing against Porto, where he set up Haaland’s header.

Ayyoub Bouaddi could make way for former Manchester United transfer target Elliot Anderson.

Possible Manchester City starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernandez; Semenyo, Cherki, Ndiaye; Haaland.

United Expected to Press High

Manchester United are expected to continue with their aggressive approach without the ball.

Carrick has used a 4-2-4 formation, with the players holding their positions before pressing specific opponents when the right moment comes.

The system keeps four attackers high and narrow. This helps United block the centre of the pitch and makes it harder for opponents to play through the middle.

Carrick has shown a preference for a front-footed approach, with United looking to be proactive rather than sitting deep and giving their opponents too much respect.

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City’s 3-2-2-3 System

Manchester City are expected to use a 3-2-2-3 shape when they have possession. The system gives City three defenders in the first line who can play with the ball while also covering the width of the pitch defensively.

Two midfielders operate in front of them to help progress the ball, protect the defence and counter-press quickly when possession is lost.

The shape is one Maresca used during his time managing Chelsea.

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Head-to-Head Record

Sunday’s match will be the 199th Manchester derby. Manchester United have the better overall record, with 81 wins compared with Manchester City’s 62.

A total of 55 meetings have ended in draws. Recent meetings, however, have been much closer.

City have won only one of their last four Premier League matches against United. The previous meeting at Old Trafford last season ended in a 2-0 victory for Carrick’s Manchester United in January.

Another Entertaining Derby?

The two sides have produced entertaining fixtures this season.

Manchester United’s matches have included a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town and a 2-2 draw with Everton, while City have won all three of their Premier League matches.

Both clubs have also registered 19 shots on target in their first three game weeks, the most in the league during that period.

With both teams possessing attacking threats, another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.

Prediction

Manchester United will have home advantage, while Manchester City enter the derby with a perfect Premier League record.

United’s attacking options could cause problems for City’s defence, but Haaland and the City attack will also provide a major test for Carrick’s side.

The prediction is a 2-2 draw.

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