The Manchester derby is the headline fixture of Matchday 4 in the Premier League, pitting together two sides with big ambitions for the season.
Since Michael Carrick replaced Amorim less than a year ago, United have taken off. At the end of last season, the former Red Devils midfielder managed to bring United back to the Champions League—a feat few fans or pundits believed possible. City, meanwhile, parted ways with Guardiola this summer after ten years, handing the reins to Enzo Maresca, who won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup as Chelsea manager.
Both teams are coming off midweek Champions League action, so some rotation is likely ahead of Sunday. Nevertheless, both sides will be eager to impress in this derby, which kicks off at 17:30 Italian time on Sunday, September 13th at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have won just one of their first three Premier League matches and already trail Manchester City by five points, with Maresca’s men having won all three of their opening fixtures and sitting atop the table alongside Arsenal.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: The Numbers
Manchester City have won just one of their last four Premier League derbies against Manchester United.
United, on the other hand, have won 9 of their 10 home league matches since Michael Carrick took charge.
Last season, the Red Devils won the home league derby 2-0, but they haven’t managed back-to-back home wins in the Premier League against City since the 2008/09 and 2012/13 seasons, when, under Sir Alex Ferguson, they won three consecutive home derbies on both occasions.
What Kind of Match Can We Expect from Manchester United and Manchester City?
Carrick’s side completely collapsed on the opening day of the Premier League, being outplayed and outscored by Hull City. In their second outing, however, they bounced back with a convincing 5-2 home win over Ipswich.
The third matchday was another mixed bag: United twice took the lead away at Everton, only to be pegged back both times, with the final 2-2 equalizer coming in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Carrick will need to shore up his defense ahead of the derby.
City, meanwhile, came from behind to narrowly win their opener against Bournemouth, but looked much more convincing in their second match, a 4-1 away win over Crystal Palace. Last weekend, they edged past newly-promoted Coventry, and in midweek Champions League action away to Sporting, Maresca’s side impressed again, winning thanks to a brace from the ever-reliable Haaland.
Probable Lineups for the Manchester Derby
As usual, Carrick is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, likely preferring Cunha over Sesko up front. There are no new injury concerns, but some rotation could be on the cards after Thursday night’s Champions League fixture against Sabah.
Maresca will also line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Haaland a guaranteed starter up front, supported by Semenyo, Cherki, and Ndiaye.
Probable Lineups:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, L. Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha. Manager: Carrick
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; E. Fernandez, Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Ndiaye; Haaland. Manager: Maresca