The stage is set for the first Manchester Derby of the 2026-27 season as Enzo Maresca takes his Manchester City side to Old Trafford for the first time during his reign. Michael Carrick will be hopeful of a response from his Manchester United team on Sunday, as the Red Devils have won just once in the opening three rounds of the Premier League.
Match Details
| Date | Sunday, 13 September 2026 |
| KO Time | 4:30 PM |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |
| Manchester United Odds | 3.20 |
| Draw Odds | 3.80 |
| Manchester City Odds | 2.15 |
Manchester United — Form & Key Players
Michael Carrick has endured a frustrating start to his first full season as Manchester United manager, with the Red Devils having won just once in the opening three rounds. The team’s defensive record will need to improve after they’ve allowed at least two goals in all EPL matches in 2026-27. However, it should be noted that the Red Devils have lost just one of their last four league meetings with Man City.
Their attacking strength, particularly on the counterattack, should also be respected, as United have scored seven goals in their last two outings. Bruno Fernandes has been a standout performer, scoring three goals and registering one assist. Marcus Rashford has enjoyed an encouraging return to action, providing a constant threat in the draw against Everton and completing three of his five dribbles.
Benjamin Sesko could be handed his first league start of the season this weekend after scoring in last week’s draw at Everton. Mason Mount is expected to be fit enough for a place on the bench. However, Matthijs de Ligt and Carlos Baleba aren’t expected to be available until after the September international break.
Manchester City — Form & Key Players
Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City tenure got off to a rocky start with a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield. However, the team have since returned to form, winning three on the bounce and four successive fixtures in all competitions. Their defence has improved, as the Cityzens have kept clean sheets in back-to-back wins against Coventry City and FC Porto.
Enzo Fernandez has also settled in quickly to life at the Etihad Stadium, registering two assists in as many matches since completing a £125 million move from Chelsea. Erling Haaland typically thrives against the Red Devils, having scored eight goals in his last seven appearances. The Norwegian brings excellent form into this weekend, having netted three in his previous two starts.
Nico O’Reilly is 100% available, according to Maresca, while Jeremy Doku is no nearer making his return to action, meaning that Iliman Ndiaye will likely retain his starting position on the left wing.
Head-to-Head Record — Recent Meetings
| Date | Result | Scorers | Venue |
| 17th January 2026 | Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City | Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |
| 14th September 2025 | Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United | Phil Foden, Erling Haaland (2) | Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England |
| 6th April 2025 | Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City | N/A | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |
Manchester United landed a 2-0 home win in Michael Carrick’s first game in charge in January, but the Red Devils haven’t recorded back-to-back wins against their rivals since 2010-11. That said, Man City have failed to win three of their last four Premier League encounters with United, after winning five of the six between 2021 and 2024.
Prediction & Betting Tips
The fact that Manchester City have had an extra two days to prepare for the derby this weekend could be vital, as United could be more fatigued than their local rivals after being in action on Thursday.
The Red Devils’ defensive record is a notable concern, as they have allowed six goals in their opening three rounds, while City have rediscovered their scoring touch, with seven goals in their previous three. Therefore, an away victory could be the standout betting angle at 2.15.
However, United’s attacking record should be respected. The Red Devils have scored at least twice in nine of their last 10 home matches, and they have scored seven goals in their previous two at Old Trafford. Carrick’s side’s inability to keep clean sheets will ultimately be detrimental to their chances, but their attacking record could ensure that there is value in siding with Man City to win and Both Teams to Score.
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