Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview: Premier League Manchester Derby
Saturday lunchtime sees one of English football’s biggest fixtures take centre stage as Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford in the 198th edition of the Manchester derby.
The match represents a major test for Manchester United’s new interim head coach Michael Carrick, who takes charge of his first game following the club’s decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
Match Preview
Carrick has been appointed until the end of the season, returning to the Old Trafford dugout for a second interim spell after previously overseeing a short run in late 2021. The 44-year-old inherits a United side currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table, just three points adrift of the top four despite managing only one win from their last six league matches.
United’s recent form has been defined by a series of draws, with stalemates against Wolves, Leeds United and Burnley slowing their progress. Those results were followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round last weekend, confirming United’s exit from the competition and limiting their overall fixture list for the remainder of the season.
The challenge facing Carrick is significant. United were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in September and have struggled for goals in recent home derbies, failing to score in four of their last five Premier League matches against City at Old Trafford.
Manchester City arrive in confident mood after an emphatic response to a run of league draws. Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup before securing a 2-0 away win over Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
The Citizens are unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions and remain firmly in the title race, sitting six points behind league leaders Arsenal with plenty of the season still to play.
Team News
Manchester United remain without Noussair Mazraoui, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Matthijs de Ligt is sidelined with a back injury. Teenage forward Shea Lacey is suspended following his red card against Brighton. However, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are available again after returning from AFCON duty, boosting United’s attacking options.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be United’s creative hub, leading the Premier League in chances created this season and remaining a key figure as Carrick looks for an immediate impact.
Manchester City are dealing with several injury absences of their own, including Josko Gvardiol, John Stones and Ruben Dias. Oscar Bobb and Savinho are also unavailable, while Omar Marmoush remains on international duty. January signing Antoine Semenyo has impressed since arriving, scoring twice in two appearances.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United:
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Manchester City:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Bernardo, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland
Prediction
Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
A spirited performance from United cannot be ruled out, particularly with a new manager in place and a vocal home crowd. However, Manchester City’s consistency, attacking depth and recent form give them the edge to claim another derby victory and strengthen their position near the top of the table.