English Premier League - Manchester derby preview

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 49 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 49 minutes ago

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Old Trafford will host the 198th Manchester derby on Sunday.
Manchester United have won 81 derbies to City's 62, with 55 draws.
The first Manchester derby was played in November 1881.
Can the sides break the record for the most goals in a Manchester derby set in 2022 when City beat United 6-3 at the Etihad?

Manchester City have enjoyed great success over United over the past decade (Getty Images).

Manchester Derby Preview & Recent History

Manchester Derby Preview & Recent History
A change in fortunes
City seeking fifth win on the bounce
Man United's Key Players
Man City's Key Players
The Big Derby Battle: Cherki vs Mainoo and Tielemans

The 198th Manchester derby on Sunday shows United holding an historical advantage: 81 victories to City's 62, with 55 draws. The balance of power across the modern Premier League era has, however, shifted dramatically towards the blue half of Manchester, making United's recent resistance particularly interesting.

The 2023/24 league meetings belonged emphatically to City. Erling Haaland scored twice and assisted Phil Foden in a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford before City recovered from Marcus Rashford's spectacular opener to win 3-1 at the Etihad, with Foden scoring twice.

City went on to claim the Premier League title, but United gained significant revenge at Wembley, stunning their neighbours 2-1 in the FA Cup final through goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

A change in fortunes

The following season brought another change in momentum. City edged the 2024 Community Shield on penalties after a 1-1 draw, but United produced one of their most memorable recent derby comebacks in December. Trailing 1-0 at the Etihad with only minutes remaining, Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot before Amad Diallo snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory. The return fixture at Old Trafford finished goalless, with United's disciplined defensive setup largely frustrating City's possession game.

The sides then traded convincing victories in 2025/26. Haaland struck twice as City swept United aside 3-0 at the Etihad in September, but Michael Carrick enjoyed a remarkable start to his second spell in charge when United won the January return 2-0 through Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. City had almost 70% possession that afternoon but United generated seven shots on target to City's one.

That leaves the last six Premier League derbies surprisingly competitive: three City wins, two United victories and one draw.

City seeking fifth win on the bounce

City nevertheless arrive at Sunday's meeting with the stronger early-season credentials. Enzo Maresca's side have won their opening three Premier League matches, while United have four points after losing to Hull, beating Ipswich and drawing at Everton. The intriguing counterweight is Old Trafford: City have not won a league derby there since their 3-0 success in October 2023.

Man United's Key Players

Bruno Fernandes remains United's chief creative influence and the player most capable of changing the complexion of the derby with one pass or shot. He has three goals and three assists in 13 Premier League appearances against City and provided the assist for Mbeumo in January's 2-0 victory. He also enters Sunday's contest in excellent form after a hat-trick against Ipswich and another goal in Europe against Sabah.

Bryan Mbeumo could be especially dangerous if United spend long periods without possession. His pace gives Carrick a direct counter-attacking outlet into the spaces City's attacking shape can leave behind. He also knows how to hurt them, having opened the scoring in United's January derby victory.

Man City's Key Players

Erling Haaland is the obvious danger. The Norwegian has an extraordinary derby record of eight goals and three assists in 10 appearances against United and arrives after scoring twice against Porto, taking him to five goals in his last three matches. United simply cannot afford to give him space inside the penalty area.

Rayan Cherki may ultimately be the player who creates the opportunities for Haaland. City's 4-2-3-1 becomes closer to a 3-2-5 in possession, allowing Cherki to operate between United's midfield and defence. If he receives possession facing goal, City's attackers can quickly overwhelm the back four.

The Big Derby Battle: Cherki vs Mainoo and Tielemans

This could be the tactical contest that determines the derby. United are expected to protect their defence with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans, but City's use of Cherki between the lines creates an awkward dilemma. If Mainoo or Tielemans steps forward aggressively to stop him turning then space can appear behind the midfield for Haaland to attack against Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.

If they remain deep to protect the centre-backs then Cherki can receive possession in dangerous areas and run directly at United's defensive line. That becomes particularly significant because United have already conceded six goals in three league games this season.

At the other end, United can exploit exactly what makes City's system effective. When a City full-back moves inside and the attacking five push high then space can appear on the outside when possession is lost. Mbeumo's speed gives United an obvious route into that territory, particularly if Fernandes can receive the first transition pass before City's counter-press arrives.