| Man United vs Man City | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 13 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 09.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Old Trafford |
Match Preview
Manchester United head into Sunday's Manchester derby with plenty to prove after a disappointing opening to their Premier League campaign. The Red Devils have collected just four points from their first three matches, despite facing opponents they would have expected to overcome.
Michael Carrick's side began the season with a damaging 2-0 defeat to Hull City before responding emphatically with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town. However, another frustrating result followed as United surrendered a late lead in a 2-2 draw away to Everton.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles' late equaliser at Goodison Park extended United's defensive concerns. They have now conceded twice in each of their opening three league games, a feat they have achieved only once previously in the last 50 years, during the 2020-21 campaign.
That season ultimately ended with United finishing second, so Carrick will be hoping the early defensive problems are only temporary. The mood around Old Trafford improved considerably on Thursday, when United produced a convincing 4-0 victory over Champions League debutants Sabah.
The result delivered their first clean sheet of the season and made it three consecutive matches in which they have scored at least twice. Carrick will also take confidence from his impressive home record during his second spell in charge, having won nine of his last 10 Premier League matches at Old Trafford.
The United boss is now aiming to achieve a rare feat by becoming the first Manchester United manager in more than a century to win both of his opening league Manchester derbies.
Only AH Albut in 1895 and John Bentley in 1913 previously managed that achievement.
Manchester City's Enzo Maresca will have his own piece of history in sight. Eight previous City managers have won their first league Manchester derby, with Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola achieving the feat in the modern era.
Maresca's side currently sit at the summit of the Premier League after winning each of their first three matches. Their latest league victory was a narrow 1-0 success over Coventry City, with Erling Haaland once again providing the decisive goal.
City's winning run was extended in midweek as Haaland scored twice in a 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto. The Norwegian's latest double took his remarkable tally to 42 goals in just 39 Champions League group-stage and league-phase appearances.
A fourth consecutive Premier League victory on Sunday would see Manchester City achieve that feat for the seventh time in club history, moving them clear of Chelsea's record of six such starts.
However, City will be wary of their most recent trip to Old Trafford. Carrick's United secured a 2-0 victory in the corresponding derby last January, giving the hosts reason to believe they can once again upset their neighbours.
Manchester United Premier League Form
L-D-W
Manchester United – All Competitions
L-D-W-W
Manchester City Premier League Form
W-W-W
Manchester City – All Competitions
L-W-W-W-W
Team News
Luke Shaw missed Manchester United's midweek victory over Sabah, but Carrick has confirmed that the left-back's absence was simply precautionary after he suffered cramp in the previous match.
Shaw is therefore expected to be available for Sunday's derby and could make his 300th Premier League appearance.
United will still be without several players, with Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton and Amad Diallo all unavailable because of their respective injuries.
Much of the attention has centred on Carrick's attacking selection, particularly the competition between Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Both players found the net against Sabah, but Marcus Rashford could potentially be the player to drop out of the starting XI.
Manchester City have fewer concerns in attack, with Erling Haaland expected to lead the line. The Norwegian has an impressive record against United, scoring eight goals in seven Premier League appearances, although only two of those goals have come at Old Trafford.
Jeremy Doku remains a major doubt due to a calf problem, but Nico O'Reilly has returned to full fitness after missing the Coventry match with a back issue.
Enzo Fernandez made his full debut against Coventry and impressed again in the Champions League victory over Porto, where he provided the assist for Haaland's opening goal. He is expected to retain his place in midfield, while Ayyoub Bouaddi could make way for former Manchester United transfer target Elliot Anderson.