Manchester City and Manchester United renew their long-standing rivalry at the Etihad on Sunday in what will be the 197th Manchester derby. Both clubs enter the clash seeking stability after stuttering early-season form, with City facing unfamiliar struggles under Pep Guardiola and United still struggling to convince under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester City Overview
For the first time since 2004/05, City have lost two of their opening three league games, a start that has Guardiola under rare pressure. Just three points from a possible nine marks his worst-ever opening to a league campaign. Another defeat would echo the dark days of 1995/96, when City lost three of their first four and went on to be relegated.
The champions’ biggest issue has been a mounting injury list, particularly in defence and out wide, which has disrupted rhythm and balance. Yet the Etihad crowd will expect a rallying response, especially as City had won five consecutive home league matches before falling to Spurs last month. Guardiola has made a career out of turning pressure into dominance, and the derby represents the perfect stage to reset their season.
Manchester United Overview
United travel across town with a slight edge in the table but little cause for comfort. Ruben Amorim’s reign has been riddled with inconsistency, his side scraping past Burnley with a 97th-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty before the international break. That win was just his eighth in 30 Premier League games, with half of those against promoted sides.
Despite the chaos, United have often found a way to hurt City at the Etihad. They won here last season in dramatic fashion and remain unbeaten in their last four derbies across all competitions. With new signing Benjamin Sesko pushing for a full debut and Amad Diallo proving decisive in recent clashes, Amorim will hope his side can again summon their best when it matters most.
Head-to-Head History
- City have won five of the last eight Premier League meetings (D1, L2).
- The home side has won only six of the last 20 league derbies (D4, L10).
- United are unbeaten in their last four competitive meetings with City (W2, D2).
- Guardiola has lost 16 home league matches as City boss; four of those defeats have come against United.
Numbers That Matter
- This is the first time since 2004/05 that City have lost two of their first three league matches.
- Guardiola has never taken fewer than three points from his opening three games of a league campaign before.
- United have taken 58 shots this season, 14 more than any other team in the Premier League.
- United’s first two league goals this season were both own goals, matching their tally from the previous two seasons combined.
Team News
City remain stretched with injuries. Defensive absences include Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rico Lewis. In attack, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Rayan Cherki are sidelined, leaving Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb as the available wide options. Mateo Kovacic is still out, but Rodri’s return steadies the midfield.
United are without Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount. Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will start in goal, after Andre Onana’s loan departure. Benjamin Sesko could make his full league debut, while Amad Diallo is expected to feature prominently once again.
Manchester City possible starting XI
Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Aké, O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Bobb, Haaland, Doku
Manchester United possible starting XI
Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Sesko, Amad
Match Info
Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
Kickoff: 4:30PM (WAT)
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Referee: Anthony Taylor
What’s at Stake
For City, it is about halting an alarming slide before talk of crisis gains momentum. A third defeat in four would be unprecedented in Guardiola’s Premier League tenure and could plant seeds of doubt in a squad used to relentless dominance.
For United, this is a chance to deepen their rivals’ misery while proving they can thrive beyond flashes of fortune. Victory at the Etihad would strengthen Amorim’s fragile grip on authority, inject belief into a shaky squad, and temporarily flip the balance of power in Manchester.
