The first Manchester United vs Manchester City clash of the season lands at Old Trafford this Sunday, and the form table tells two very different stories walking in.
Manchester City have won three of their opening three matches under new boss Enzo Maresca. Manchester United sit mid-table with four points from three, still finding their rhythm under Michael Carrick.
History leans red though. Across 198 meetings between these two clubs, United hold an 81-63 edge in wins, with 54 draws filling the gap.
This Manchester United vs Manchester City fixture also carries extra weight given United’s last meeting with City ended in a 2-0 win back in January, a rare recent bright spot in a rivalry City have dominated since their takeover.
Here’s everything you need heading into Sunday’s clash.
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:30 PM BST |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Referee | Michael Oliver |
Team News
United’s team news is shaped as much by who’s missing as by who’s in form. Carlos Baleba remains out with an ankle problem, Amad Diallo isn’t expected back in time, and both Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte stay sidelined.
The good news for Carrick is Luke Shaw’s return after missing the midweek win through a cramp, slotting back in at left-back ahead of Patrick Dorgu.
City’s situation is far more settled heading into Manchester United vs Manchester City. Maresca has just one fresh absentee to think about, with Jeremy Doku expected to remain out.
Enzo Fernandez, the club’s British-record summer signing, is in line to make his first Manchester Derby appearance since arriving from Chelsea.
Expected Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guéhi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernández; Ndiaye, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland
Head to Head
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total meetings (all competitions) | 198 |
| Manchester United wins | 81 |
| Draws | 54 |
| Manchester City wins | 63 |
| Last meeting | Man Utd 2-0 Man City (Jan 2026) |
The all-time picture still favors United, but recent history has been considerably tighter. Since City’s Abu Dhabi-era takeover began, both clubs have actually won 21 meetings apiece in this fixture, with City edging the goal difference across that stretch.
Read more: the greatest football rivalries of all time
Key Players
Bruno Fernandes has been United’s standout performer early this season, contributing 3 goals and 8 chances created across his opening three appearances.
His creativity through the middle remains the engine of everything United try to build.
Erling Haaland, unsurprisingly, is City’s biggest threat, already sitting on 3 goals and 8 shots on target from just 270 minutes of football this season. Any lapse in concentration from United’s back line risks being punished instantly.
Tactical Analysis
United’s double pivot of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans will need a big shift in shielding the backline against City’s fluid front four, particularly with Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye both capable of drifting into pockets between the lines.
Expect Carrick to ask his midfield to stay compact rather than press too aggressively high, given how City have punished disorganized presses in recent seasons.
For City, Enzo Fernandez’s introduction into Manchester United vs Manchester City adds genuine control in midfield, someone capable of dictating tempo rather than just recycling possession.
If he settles quickly into derby intensity, City’s control of the game could stretch United thin defensively over ninety minutes.
Conclusion
This edition of Manchester United vs Manchester City arrives with City looking the sharper, more settled side on paper, but Old Trafford has a habit of complicating the form book in fixtures like this one.
United’s ability to stay compact in midfield against City’s front four will likely decide how competitive this one actually is. Whatever happens, neither side will want to fall behind early in a fixture this emotionally charged.
Read More: Top 10 Greatest Defenders of All Time
What time does the Manchester Derby kick off?
The Manchester Derby between Manchester United and Manchester City kicks off at 4:30 PM BST on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Old Trafford.
What is the head-to-head record in the Manchester Derby?
Manchester United lead the all-time Manchester Derby head-to-head with 81 wins to Manchester City’s 63, alongside 54 draws across 198 meetings.
Who is injured for Manchester United ahead of the Manchester Derby?
Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte are all unavailable for Manchester United ahead of the Manchester Derby.
Will Enzo Fernandez make his Manchester Derby debut?
Yes, Enzo Fernandez is set to make his first Manchester Derby appearance for Manchester City after his summer move from Chelsea.
Who won the last Manchester Derby meeting?
Manchester United won the most recent Manchester Derby 2-0 back in January 2026.
This is GoalVerdict's editorial analysis based on squad quality, form and tactics — not betting advice.