AFCON 2025
The first Manchester derby of the 2026/27 Premier League season takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford, with Manchester City and Manchester United heading into the clash on contrasting runs of form.
City have made a perfect start to the campaign, winning all three of their league matches to sit top of the table. United, meanwhile, are in mid-table after losing 2-0 to Hull City on the opening day, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 and drawing 2-2 with Everton.
United will take confidence from their 2-0 victory over City in January, Michael Carrick’s first game in charge. However, the early weeks of the new season suggest City currently have the greater consistency and structure.
Here are three reasons why the visitors should leave Old Trafford with all three points.
1. City have started the season with greater control
Enzo Maresca has quickly imposed his ideas on Manchester City, with the team showing a clear structure in possession and without the ball.
City have won all three of their Premier League games, scoring seven goals and conceding just two. They overcame Bournemouth late, defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 and edged Coventry City 1-0.
Their Champions League campaign also began positively, with a 2-0 victory over Porto, both goals coming from Erling Haaland.
United have also scored seven league goals, but their defensive record is less convincing, with six goals conceded in three matches. The defeat to Hull exposed some of their early-season vulnerabilities, while the late equaliser conceded against Everton highlighted their difficulties in closing out games.
In a derby where composure and organisation can become decisive in the final stages, City currently appear better equipped to manage the game.
2. Haaland gives City a decisive attacking outlet
Manchester City have one of the most reliable match-winners in world football in Erling Haaland, and the Norwegian has once again been placed at the centre of their attacking approach.
Maresca has also begun building a midfield capable of controlling possession and supplying Haaland consistently. Enzo Fernández has quickly settled into the side following his move, while Elliott Anderson is expected to provide further balance.
Further forward, Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye offer City additional attacking options, particularly with Jeremy Doku unavailable.
United possess their own attacking threat. Bruno Fernandes has already scored three league goals and remains central to their creativity, while Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško provide further options in the final third.
The concern for United is what happens when they lose possession. City have the quality and structure to regain the ball quickly and turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities.
In a fixture that could be decided by a single transition, City’s ability to create chances while limiting the opposition’s opportunities could prove crucial.
3. United have closed the gap, but City remain ahead
Manchester United are undoubtedly closer to City than they have been for much of the last decade.
Carrick’s revival last season, which saw United finish third, has restored some belief around Old Trafford. Their attacking identity has also made the derby feel more competitive than it has in previous seasons.
However, closing the gap is not the same as eliminating it.
On current form, City appear to have the more complete squad. Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol give them a strong defensive foundation, while Haaland remains their biggest threat in attack. Their strengthened midfield also gives Maresca greater options in controlling the tempo of the game.
United, meanwhile, will be without Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo and Manuel Ugarte, while Luke Shaw’s fitness remains a concern.
The home advantage, Fernandes’ form and United’s recent derby victory give Carrick’s side legitimate reasons for optimism. But City’s unbeaten start, stronger defensive record and attacking firepower make them the more convincing side on paper.
A 2-1 victory for City at Old Trafford would therefore come as little surprise.
United have enough quality to make the contest difficult, but if the opening weeks of the season are anything to go by, Manchester City should have enough control and firepower to leave Old Trafford with all three points.
