Manchester United are targeting back-to-back victories at the Etihad, having lost their previous four visits before last December's dramatic late comeback. The last ten Manchester derbies have produced 35 goals, despite April's incredibly dull goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Manchester City vs Manchester United preview
After a turbulent August for both Manchester clubs, can either start September with a derby day victory at the Etihad? It may come as a surprise but, at kick off, it is actually Manchester United who kick off higher of the two. Last month's penalty shootout defeat at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby in the EFL Cup was a new nadir for the Red Devils, seemingly leaving Rúben Amorim on the brink.
At that point, Man United were also yet to win in the Premier League, beaten by Arsenal on the opening weekend, before a 1-1 draw at Fulham. That winless start looked set to continue, twice leading at home to Burnley, only for the Clarets to quickly equalise both times. However, deep into stoppage time at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were awarded a penalty following VAR review, converted by Bruno Fernandes. This goal appeared to be a huge weight lifted of everyone's shoulders, not least those of Amorim. With Chelsea visiting Old Trafford next Saturday, can Man United really kick-start their campaign with a derby win on Sunday?
Manchester City meantime hoped this season would represent a fresh start but, well, that hasn't been the case so far. When Pep Guardiola's team demolished Wolves 4-0 on the opening day, many were declaring them champions already. However, since then, the Sky Blues have suffered successive defeats, easily swatted aside 2-0 by Tottenham at the Etihad, before collapsing at Brighton.
A fortnight ago, after missing numerous chances, Erling Braut Håland eventually gave the Citizens the lead at the Amex, but they could not build on it, with Brighton equalising mid-way through the second half, before cutting Man City apart to score the winner right at the death. This means, since the start of last season, the Sky Blues have lost three Premier League matches in which they've taken the lead, despite the fact this had only happened twice in the previous 115 fixtures, dating back to May 2021. This is the start of a crucial week for Guardiola's team, hosting Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, before traveling to Arsenal next Sunday. So, will Man City be too strong for their neighbours and rivals, or can Man United execute yet another Etihad heist on Sunday?
Manchester City vs Manchester United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 196.
- Manchester City Wins: 62. Draws: 54. Manchester United Wins: 80.
Manchester City team news
In a derby of two goalkeepers, Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to make his Man City debut, having arrived from PSG for £26 million, relegating fellow new recruit James Trafford to the bench.
Meantime, Omar Marmoush is sidelined due to a a knee injury suffered during Egypt's goalless draw with Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, joining Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Phil Foden, Savinho and Rayan Cherki in the treatment room.
Lastly, Rodri saw just 28 and then 17 minutes off the bench during Spain's World Cup qualifiers in Sofia and Konya, but is expected to start this one, having done so against Brighton two weeks ago.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes, Stones, Rúben Dias, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva, Bobb, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Manchester United
Erling Braut Håland scored five as Norway crushed Moldova 11-1 in Oslo on Tuesday, not that isn't a typo, taking his tally to 48 goals in 45 caps. In Manchester derbies, he has so far bagged six goals in five Premier League appearances, including a hat-trick three years ago, so will he be on target here?
Manchester United team news
Meantime, it's all change in terms of Manchester United goalkeepers too. André Onana has joined Trabzonspor, while 23 year old Senne Lammens has arrived from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million, so will he be thrown in for his debut, displacing Altay Bayındır?
At the other end of the pitch, Benjamin Šeško could start a Premier League match for the first time, having come off the bench in all three fixtures so far. Rúben Amorim is set to continue to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as a midfield pair, which could be overrun by Man City's trio.
Lisandro Martínez is sidelined, while Diogo Dalot, Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha are all doubts.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (4-3-3): Lammens; Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount, Šeško.
Manchester United player to watch vs Manchester City
Bryan Mbeumo opened his Manchester United account against Burnley a fortnight ago, so can he net against Manchester City for the first time, in what will be his sixth attempt?
Manchester City vs Manchester United prediction
This Manchester derby promises to be very high-scoring, but we are backing Man City for victory, very much still unconvinced by Rúben Amorim's team: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United.
Manchester City vs Manchester United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League?
Manchester City vs Manchester United takes place on Sunday 14 September 2025, with kick off at 16:30 (BST), 11:30 (EDT) & 8:30 (PDT).