The first Manchester Derby of the season headlines gameweek four as the Premier League returns from international break. The Etihad Stadium plays host to the rivalry on Sunday afternoon at 4pm BST for a clash that carries extra weight given both sides’ shaky start. 

While Manchester City are used to setting the early pace in the Pep Guardiola era, they have once again faltered after an emphatic opening win. Across the city, Ruben Amorim is under severe scrutiny after a mixed beginning to his first full season in charge of the Red Devils. 

With both sides desperate for three points, this Manchester Derby promises to be a fascinating and fiery affair. 

Team form

Man City began their campaign with a 4-0 statement win away at Wolves, cruising to three points and looking as dangerous as ever. But since then, Guardiola’s men have stumbled. A 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham was followed by a 2-1 loss away to Brighton, leaving them with just three points. 

For a side accustomed to setting the Premier League standard for so many years, sitting 13^th after the opening month is not where they’d want to be. Pressure is on Guardiola to turn things around, and this derby is arriving at a critical moment. 

The Red Devils haven’t really fared any better. Amorim was heavily backed in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to spearhead a revamped attack. Yet neither signing has really found rhythm yet. 

The results reflect that. Man United lost their opener against Arsenal, drew to Fulham and needed a controversial 97^th-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty to secure a 3-2 win over Burnley before the break. While three points offered some relief, the performance was unconvincing, and Amorim will know improvement is needed if his project is to be a success at Old Trafford. 

Head-to-head

Recent history between the two Manchester giants is fairly balanced. Across the last five Premier League meetings, both sides have claimed two wins each, with one draw thrown in the mix. That includes a 0-0 at Old Trafford and a 2-1 win for Man United at the Etihad last season. Man City’s last league victory over their rivals came in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, when they came back from an early Marcus Rashford strike to win 3-1 at home.  

Team news

As if their start to the season wasn’t bad enough, Guardiola has a lengthy injury list. New signing Rayan Cherki is sidelined for two months, while Matteo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol remain out. Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri both withdrew from international duty but could recover in time to feature. There is better news with Savinho and Phil Foden likely to be available, boosting the hosts’ attack. 

For Man United, Cunha is nursing a knock picked up against Burnley, which forced him to miss Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile, but is expected to be in contention. Mason Mount also carried an injury into the break, but the time off may aid his recovery. Diogo Dalot withdrew from Portugal duty with a minor issue, though he too could return.

Key stats

• Erling Haaland was named Premier League Player of the Month for August, scoring three goals in his first three matches.

• Tijjani Reijnders has made a bright start to life at the Etihad, scoring once and assisting once in three appearances.

• Bryan Mbeumo has scored in back-to-back games for Man United, netting in the shock EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby and the 3-2 win over Burnley. 

Prediction 

This Manchester Derby is hard to call, with both sides struggling in the opening weeks of the season and searching for momentum. Man City’s quality in the final third, particularly Haaland’s threat in front of goal, could make the difference, especially with the Norwegian boasting six goals in five previous league meetings with Man United. 

Predicted result: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United