Report: United and City Face Form Questions Ahead of Crucial Etihad Clash | OneFootball

Manchester Derby Set for Tense Premier League Showdown

Manchester City’s uneasy start to the season continues as they prepare to host rivals United at the Etihad. Following a commanding opening day victory at Wolves, City have suffered back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side searching for consistency. United, meanwhile, required a last-gasp Bruno Fernandes penalty to secure their first Premier League win, overcoming newly-promoted Burnley after defeats by Arsenal, a draw at Fulham, and Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby.

Ruben Amorim faces a critical test as he looks to spark United into form at the Etihad. Last season’s dramatic late-season revival has set expectations high, but the early weeks of 2025/26 suggest that consistency remains a concern.

Date, Kick-Off Time and Venue

The Manchester derby is scheduled for a 4:30pm BST kick-off on Sunday September 14, 2025.

The fixture will take place at the Etihad Stadium, providing a familiar battleground for two of English football’s fiercest rivals.

Where to Watch Man City vs United

Fans in the UK can catch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 4pm, following Burnley vs Liverpool on Super Sunday.

Subscribers can also stream the contest via the Sky Go app, while Standard Sport will provide a live blog for real-time updates throughout the afternoon.

Photo: IMAGO

Team News and Injury Concerns

City face selection dilemmas with Abdukodir Khusanov sidelined after a knock against Brighton, and other absentees including Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Phil Foden, and Marcus Bettinelli. Omar Marmoush suffered a knee injury while representing Egypt against Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening, adding further strain on Guardiola’s squad.

United’s Ruben Amorim must decide whether to continue with Altay Bayindir in goal or hand the high-pressure fixture to new signing Senne Lammens, particularly as former number one Andre Onana is on loan at Trabzonspor. City face a similar decision with James Trafford and new arrival Gianluigi Donnarumma, emphasising the importance of goalkeeping stability in such a high-stakes match.

Premier League Form and Predictions

Both sides approach the derby in unremarkable form, sitting 13th and ninth in the early Premier League table respectively. City’s squad depth is no longer at the sky-high standard seen during their four consecutive title-winning campaigns, and Marmoush’s injury increases their reliance on Erling Haaland.

United’s narrow win over Burnley offered little reassurance about their overall trajectory under Amorim, who appears to be under mounting pressure. While City’s dominance on paper remains, the early-season inconsistencies suggest that United may still exploit lapses, particularly in counter-attacks.

Despite these concerns, City are expected to maintain their edge. A 3-1 victory for the hosts seems the most likely outcome, given United’s struggles to impose themselves consistently in the Premier League this term.

Head-to-Head History

Last season saw United outperform City in league encounters, despite losing on penalties in the Community Shield. A goalless draw at Old Trafford in April followed by a late 2-1 victory at the Etihad four months earlier highlights United’s potential to challenge City when it matters, even during a season otherwise marked by disappointment.

This season’s early inconsistencies make the Manchester derby even more unpredictable, with both sides eager to make a statement as the Premier League heads into its third month.