Manchester Derby Build-Up: Team News, Prediction and How to Watch

Two cities in one. Two philosophies on the pitch. One fixture that stops everything else. Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford this Sunday in a derby that offers more than local bragging rights — it provides clarity in a season muddled by inconsistency, injury, and identity.

This will be the third meeting between Ruben Amorim and Pep Guardiola this season. And if recent head-to-heads are any indication, United may well enter this encounter with quiet confidence.

Momentum Shifts and European Stakes

For City, the need is palpable. They are caught in a scrap for Champions League qualification, locked in an unpredictable race involving Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa. Despite their European pedigree and Guardiola’s trophy haul, City are still navigating around key injuries and tactical reshuffles.

United’s story is different. They sit 13th in the table, following a midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest. Domestic form has failed to inspire and their best hope of European football next season now lies in going the distance in the Europa League.

Yet, this fixture has its own rhythm. United have already bested City at the Etihad this season and beat them in the FA Cup final last year. For all the structural issues in their squad, United seem to find something extra when faced with sky blue shirts.

Team News and Selection Updates

United’s list of absentees has eased slightly following the international break. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire returned to action against Forest and are both pushing to start in the heart of defence.

Ruben Amorim may also hand a return to Kobbie Mainoo, who is back in training, although Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt. Rasmus Hojlund is pushing to start ahead of Joshua Zirkzee, who failed to make an impression in midweek.

City are missing Erling Haaland, their leading scorer, due to an ankle injury. January signing Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the line after scoring in his last three games. While Guardiola’s squad remains deep, the absence of Rodri and other core players continues to affect their fluidity.

However, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to return fresh to the starting XI after being unused substitutes in the 2-0 win over Leicester.

Tactical Battle at Old Trafford

Guardiola will undoubtedly dominate the ball, as he always does. But Amorim’s ...