Haaland completes his brace and makes it a rout

Haaland scores City’s second

Foden scores the opener before the 20-minute mark

The match kicks off

Confirmed lineups

The Manchester derby arrives at a moment full of expectation. Both teams are enduring a shaky start to the season, which makes this clash more than just a rivalry: it’s the chance to regain confidence and make a statement in the Premier League.

Current Situation of Both Clubs

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, have shown some weaknesses with early defeats that raised doubts about the strength of their system. The Catalan coach is pushing for an immediate response to ease the pressure ahead of the coming weeks.

On the other hand, Manchester United have also struggled at the start. Injuries and suspensions have limited the squad, forcing Rúben Amorim to rethink his starting XI. One of the names drawing the most attention is young striker Benjamin Šeško, who could take on an important role in the Red Devils’ attack and use this derby as the perfect stage to showcase his talent.

Absences, News and the Pre-Match Atmosphere

Among the most notable absences for United are Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot, all usually key pieces in their attacking setup. This forces the manager to turn to alternatives from the bench and rely on the midfield’s ability to step up.

On the City side, there are also concerns in defense due to injuries affecting several starters, which could alter their back line. The buildup to the match was marked by a charged atmosphere at the stadium, highlighted by a special tribute to former boxer Ricky Hatton, a lifelong City supporter.

Keys to the Match

In a derby like this, every detail matters. Erling Haaland will once again be the main attacking reference for City, tasked with punishing any defensive mistake. Meanwhile, United will look to counterattack and remain solid despite their absences. Midfield intensity, pressing, and composure under pressure will all be decisive.

For Guardiola, the mission is to restore the authority of City’s best versions. For Amorim, it’s about proving that, even with limitations, his team can compete head-to-head with one of the league’s giants.