The Manchester City vs Manchester United clash is set to mark the marquee game of the weekend in the Premier League as the two bitter rivals go to war. The Manchester Derby will take place at the Etihad Stadium, with both teams in desperate need of a big win on Sunday afternoon.
For Manchester City, it’s been a bitter start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, as they have now lost their last two of three matches. Pep Guardiola’s side have been unable to pick up their performances after a dominant opening-weekend win over Wolves, having suffered losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion before the September international break.
Manchester United have also had a shaky beginning to their new campaign and have only been able to win one of their three league games so far. Ruben Amorim needs his side to be way more efficient and ruthless on the pitch to be able to outwit a team like Manchester City and get a huge derby win to improve the momentum levels within the team.
With a lot of stakes riding on this game, we look at the key factors to consider for the Manchester City vs Manchester United clash.
Could The Summer Arrivals Have An Impact On The Manchester City vs Manchester United derby?
This upcoming Manchester Derby could be an ideal platform for Ruben Amorim to give the first start to his star striker signing, Benjamin Sesko, to lead the line and torment the defenders.
Bryan Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford in the summer, has already hit the ground running strongly and scored two goals for the Red Devils.
If Matheus Cunha can pass his fitness test to be able to maintain fitness for this, there is a chance for Amorim to start all the new signings to create a devastating attacking line.
For the Red Devils, their new signings’ performances could be vital in the derby. Mbeumo has to be prolific in finishing his chances and work hard to create them for his side as well. Sesko has to be clinical in the final third to put away any chances in his way to help his side too.
Man City’s new boy Tijani Reijnders is poised to start in this one, with the flamboyant Dutch midfielder needing to be energetic and clever with his final product to be that X-factor for the Cityzens.
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Are Any Debuts On The Horizon?
The upcoming Man City vs Man United clash could also be the centre stage for some eye-catching debuts for both teams.
There is a strong chance that Pep Guardiola will give new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma his first start for Manchester City in this game.
The Italian goalkeeper enjoyed a lot of success at Paris Saint-Germain, helping them win the UEFA Champions League title in the 2024/25 season. Donnarumma comes into the club with heaps of experience, having also helped Italy win Euro 2020 and being reputed for being a solid shot-stopper.
On the other hand, there is a chance for Manchester United to give a debut for their new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens. The Belgian goalkeeper joined the Red Devils as the replacement for Andre Onana, who has been loaned out to Trabzonspor.
It remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim rushes Lammens into Premier League football instantly, but that could be forced, seeing the error-prone nature of Altay Bayindir.
Predicted Lineups
Knowing the sheer importance of the Manchester City vs Manchester United clash, both Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim will be eager to put out their strongest lineups to help their side compete strongly in the game.
Here we look at the Manchester Derby’s predicted line-ups:
Manchester City XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rayan Ait Nouri, Rodri, Tijani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland
Manchester United XI: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 31.08.2025