Merson: These three Man Utd players can ‘hurt’ struggling City at Etihad

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·12 September 2025

Merson: These three Man Utd players can ‘hurt’ struggling City at Etihad

Paul Merson has revealed that he cannot envision Manchester United losing this Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.

Should the Red Devils claim a victory, it’ll be their second triumph on their arch-rivals’ turf for consecutive seasons, thanks to a Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo-inspired comeback last December.

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Merson’s confident admission comes after Manchester City’s turbulent start to the campaign. Despite thumping Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 at Molineux on opening day, Pep Guardiola’s men proceeded to sustain back-to-back defeats at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion.

They will also be without livewire forward Omar Marmoush for the clash, as he was ruled out with a knee injury that he suffered on international duty earlier this week.

United sweating on fitness of integral duo

Cunha has been a bright spark for United so far this season. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim may have two considerable injury setbacks to navigate of his own, though.

Another reason Merson believes United will avoid defeat is down to their front three, which, for the first three Premier League matches, has been Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount.

However, last time out against Burnley at Old Trafford, Cunha was forced off in the first half after appearing to pull his hamstring before Mount was hooked at the interval for an unspecified injury concern.

Both players could well be absent for the trip across the city, meaning Benjamin Sesko may be in line to receive his first league start.

Merson’s City vs United prediction

“I thought Manchester United were really good the other day against Burnley,” Merson penned in his Sportskeeda column.

“It was a bit like the Manchester United of the old times. But they still needed a penalty at the end to win that game, and that is a concern if you ask me. Manchester City looked comfortable until the substitutions changed the game for Brighton. I’m looking for reasons to back City here and I can’t find any if I’m being honest!

“City were terrible against Tottenham at the Etihad. I actually think Manchester United’s front-three can hurt them in this game.

“I say that despite having the opinion that United will not finish in the top six this season, so you can imagine what I think of City at the moment!

“I’m going to go for a draw but if someone told me I had to pick a winner, I would only choose Manchester United. I just don’t think Ruben Amorim’s men will lose this game.”