We preview Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford and share our prediction for the Manchester United vs Manchester City showdown.
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Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
The 2024-25 season has been underwhelming for both Manchester clubs, but the 196th edition of this storied rivalry still promises plenty of intrigue.
Back in December, Amad Diallo emerged as Manchester United’s derby-day saviour at the Etihad Stadium. His dramatic 90th-minute winner sealed a stunning 2-1 comeback against an out-of-form Manchester City side in the Premier League.
City had looked set to claim a vital victory after Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header put them ahead. However, United were handed a lifeline when Amad was brought down in the box by Matheus Nunes, allowing Bruno Fernandes to calmly slot home the equaliser from the penalty spot.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, United found a late winner from an unexpected moment. Lisandro Martínez launched a long ball over the top, which Amad chased down and lifted past the advancing Ederson before finishing coolly—securing Ruben Amorim his first major triumph since taking charge at Old Trafford.
That memorable victory came just 40 days after Ruben Amorim led his former side, Sporting CP, to a dominant 4-1 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Now, the Manchester United boss is eyeing a place in elite company—looking to become only the third manager to defeat Pep Guardiola three times in a row, following in the footsteps of Jürgen Klopp with Liverpool and Thomas Tuchel with Chelsea during the 2020-21 season.
However, United and Amorim have struggled to maintain that momentum since their dramatic derby triumph at the Etihad.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday marked their 13th league loss of the campaign—just one short of matching the club’s Premier League-era record, set last season. To make matters worse, it was United academy graduate Anthony Elanga who scored the match-winner at the City Ground, adding a sting of poetic justice to the Red Devils’ latest setback.
Across all competitions this season, only Leicester City (26) have conceded the first goal more often than Manchester United (23) among Premier League teams. However, United’s problems extend far beyond their defensive frailties, as they continue to drift in the lower half of the table.
In attack, the numbers are equally concerning. United have managed just 37 goals from 405 attempts—a conversion rate of 9.1%, the third worst in the league, ahead of only Southampton (7.9%) and West Ham United (8.6%). When it comes to capitalizing on big chances, their 29% success rate ranks second from bottom, with only rock-bottom Southampton (28%) faring worse.
A consistent bright spark in an otherwise turbulent season, Bruno Fernandes will once again look to inspire Manchester United to derby glory, while continuing his strong run of form at Old Trafford.
The United skipper has been directly involved in 21 goals at home across all competitions this season—scoring 12 and providing nine assists. One more assist would see him reach double figures for both goals and assists at the Theatre of Dreams for the third time, having achieved the feat previously in 2020-21 and 2022-23. Remarkably, no other player has done so more than once in the Premier League era—only Dwight Yorke (1998-99: 12G, 10A) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2006-07: 14G, 11A) have matched it even once.
There is some positive news on the fitness front for United as well. Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and new signing Leny Yoro all made their returns in the midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest. Altay Bayindir was also included in the matchday squad, while Kobbie Mainoo could be in contention for the derby. Luke Shaw’s return is also on the horizon, though Amad, Jonny Evans, and Ayden Heaven remain sidelined as they continue their recovery.
On the other side of the divide, Manchester City tightened their grip on a top-five spot with a routine 2-0 win over Leicester City on Wednesday. Jack Grealish broke his long scoring drought with his first Premier League goal since December 2023, and Omar Marmoush added a second to seal the result.
While a Champions League berth would provide some comfort, this has been a below-par season by City’s lofty standards. They are averaging just 1.9 goals per league game—their lowest under Pep Guardiola—and are conceding 1.33 goals per game, the highest average of his tenure.
Perhaps most uncharacteristically, City have dropped 16 points from winning positions this season—the worst tally under Guardiola. Their previous high was 13, recorded in both the 2020-21 and 2022-23 campaigns. Three of those points were lost in the reverse fixture against United, giving City plenty of motivation to set the record straight this time around.
If Manchester City are to come out on top this Sunday, they’ll have to do it without their talismanic striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, who has contributed six goals and three assists in just eight appearances against United, is sidelined for the next few weeks after suffering an ankle injury during City’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
In his absence, Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the line once again, having done so in midweek against Leicester. He took his Premier League tally to five goals with that performance but is still seeking his first away goal in the competition. Interestingly, all of Marmoush’s league goals for City have come at the Etihad—the most by any player this season to have scored 100% of their goals on home turf.
City’s injury list doesn’t end there. Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, and John Stones remain unavailable, while midfield anchor Rodri is still working his way back after sustaining an ACL rupture in September.
All eyes will also be on Kevin De Bruyne, who could feature in what would be his final Manchester derby. The Belgian maestro confirmed on Friday that this will be his last season at the club, adding an emotional layer to what is already one of the Premier League’s most fiercely contested fixtures.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Head-to-head
Manchester City have recorded more Premier League victories at Old Trafford than any other visiting side, with nine wins to their name—five of those coming under Pep Guardiola, the most by any manager in the competition’s history at the venue.
However, recent encounters in this storied rivalry have seen Manchester United rise to the occasion. The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last three meetings with City across all competitions (W2 D1), their longest such streak since a four-match run between January 2010 and February 2011.
United are now eyeing their first league double over City since the 2019-20 season, having already claimed a dramatic win at the Etihad earlier in the campaign.
Yet, home advantage often proves irrelevant in this clash. The away side has come out on top in 10 of the last 18 Premier League derbies (D2 L6), making it one of the most unpredictable rivalries in terms of home dominance. In fact, since the 2015-16 season, only Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (12) has produced more away wins in the top flight.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Manchester United – Team News
Ruben Amorim may be forced into a defensive reshuffle when Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt for the derby after sustaining a knock during United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier this week. “I think Matta [de Ligt] has an issue,” Amorim confirmed during Friday’s press conference. “He picked up something during the game and we’ll need to assess. Everything else seems normal.”
The Dutch centre-back has been a standout performer in recent weeks, but his run of six consecutive Premier League starts could be halted. Should he miss out, Harry Maguire is the likely replacement. The England international made his return from injury off the bench at the City Ground, albeit as an emergency striker in the closing stages.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could make a long-awaited return to the squad for the first time in two months. Amorim revealed: “Kobbie is back in training, so we’ll assess whether he’s ready for this game. Of course, he can’t play the full 90 minutes after being out for so long.”
Amorim also has some key choices to make in attack. Joshua Zirkzee struggled to make an impact against Forest and could be replaced by Rasmus Højlund, who ended his goal drought in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester before the international break. Captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to retain their places in the advanced roles, while Mason Mount’s minutes are still being managed carefully.
Casemiro could once again line up alongside Manuel Ugarte in the base of midfield.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martínez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and the likes of Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans remain sidelined for the derby clash.
Manchester United – Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper – Onana
- Defenders – Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro
- Midfielders – Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu
- Forwards – Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee
Manchester City – Team News
Manchester City will look to restore their dominance in the derby when they travel to Old Trafford this weekend, eager to avenge December’s 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United — one of the few bright spots in a turbulent season under Ruben Amorim for the Red Devils.
City remain hampered by a string of long-term injuries, with the latest blow being the loss of star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, who netted in City’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Bournemouth, suffered an ankle injury and isn’t expected back until the closing stages of the season.
In his absence, Omar Marmoush stepped up midweek and found the net against Leicester. He’s likely to retain his place up front at Old Trafford as City seek revenge for their earlier loss.
Rodri, who suffered an ACL rupture earlier in the campaign, remains sidelined alongside fellow defenders Nathan Aké, John Stones and Manuel Akanji, leaving Pep Guardiola with limited options at the back.
There were no fresh updates from Guardiola during his pre-match press conference, as much of the attention shifted to Kevin De Bruyne’s bombshell announcement — confirming this will be his final season with the club.
“[De Bruyne] is one of the league’s greatest midfielders,” Guardiola stated. “You always have to respect the legends from the last 20 or 30 years, but there’s no doubt about his consistency and class.”
The Belgian playmaker, who has scored three and assisted six times in 21 appearances against United, is expected to start in what could be his final Manchester derby.
With a stronger XI likely to be fielded after some rotation against Leicester, City will be determined to avoid a league double at the hands of their local rivals — and keep their push for Champions League qualification on track.
Manchester City – Predicted Lineup (4-3-2-1)
- Goalkeeper – Ederson
- Defenders – Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly
- Midfielders – Gonzalez, Gundogan, Grealish
- Forwards – Savinho, Doku, Marmoush
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Prediction
Recent history tilts this fixture slightly in Manchester United’s favour. Last season’s shock FA Cup final win and the gritty comeback at the Etihad earlier this campaign have shown that Ruben Amorim’s side are capable of upsetting the odds — especially against their fiercest rivals.
While both teams arrive in decent form, Amorim appears to have the tactical edge over Pep Guardiola in recent meetings. With the crowd at Old Trafford behind them and momentum from past victories, United could be poised to pull off another statement win.
Expect a tight encounter, but one where United edge it 2-1 — extending their unbeaten run against City to four games.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
When and Where To Watch The Manchester United vs Manchester City Match LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Premier League 2025 clash between Manchester United and Manchester City is set to begin at 9 PM IST on Sunday, April 6, at Old Trafford, Manchester. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar.
Read More: Jose Mourinho Sparks Controversy with Nose Grab After Turkish Cup Defeat
FAQs
Who is likely to replace Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby?
Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the line for Manchester City in Haaland’s absence due to an ankle injury.
What is Bruno Fernandes’ record at Old Trafford this season?
Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 21 goals at home in all competitions (12 goals, 9 assists) — more than any other United player.
What’s Manchester United’s recent record against Manchester City?
United are unbeaten in their last three meetings with City in all competitions (W2, D1), including a 2-1 win at the Etihad earlier this season.
How have injuries impacted Manchester City ahead of the derby?
City are without Haaland, Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji due to various injuries.
Could Kevin De Bruyne be playing his last Manchester derby?
Yes, De Bruyne confirmed this is his final season at City, making Sunday’s clash potentially his last Manchester derby.
