Old Trafford hosts a Manchester derby brimming with narrative as Kevin De Bruyne prepares for his final league clash against Manchester United.
With both sides under pressure for different reasons, the battle for city bragging rights carries high stakes, particularly with Champions League places and pride on the line.
City arrive on the back of a confidence-boosting win, while United aim to bounce back from a deflating defeat at Forest.
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s reign at United continues to blow hot and cold, and their midweek 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest was another case of flattering to deceive. Former Red Devil Anthony Elanga was the match-winner, underlining the costly shortcomings in United’s recruitment. Offensively blunt and defensively frail, the Red Devils’ run of 12 home games without a clean sheet is alarming.
While their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon may offer a route to silverware, domestic form is faltering. Despite winning at the Etihad in December, their inconsistency makes back-to-back derby wins look unlikely. Injuries to key defenders and patchy home form mean Amorim has his work cut out if he’s to inspire a turnaround.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s men returned from the break in style with a composed 2-0 win over Leicester City, but their away form remains patchy with just three wins in their last 11 Premier League road games. Still, with Kevin De Bruyne making a farewell derby appearance and Jack Grealish back in scoring form, there’s no shortage of motivation.
Champions League qualification remains the priority, and while City sit fifth, England’s UEFA coefficient could spare them the agony of missing out. Nonetheless, with six key away defeats this season, Pep’s side will be wary, especially at a ground where they haven’t had it all their way of late.
Team News
Manchester United are without Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, while Matthijs de Ligt is a fresh doubt.
Harry Maguire is in line for a return, and Amorim is hopeful of getting limited minutes out of Kobbie Mainoo. Mason Mount is fit to start, offering a creative spark alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are missing Erling Haaland (ankle), Rodri (ACL), Nathan Ake (foot), John Stones (thigh), and Manuel Akanji (groin). De Bruyne is available, though Grealish’s recent form may keep him on the bench. Young defender Nico O’Reilly could retain his spot, while Marmoush continues up front.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester United:
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund
Manchester City:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Marmoush
