Manchester United Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United Prepare for Premier League Showdown with Man City

Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for a crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester City, with manager Ruben Amorim signalling that Benjamin Sesko could be handed a first start following several substitute appearances. The £74million summer signing has impressed from the bench and appears ready for a full debut against United’s local rivals.

Amorim commented on Sesko’s potential impact, stating, “I think more than looking at exactly what he did during the games, it is what he can bring to our team. If you see, against Burnley, he had some movements, especially inside the box, that we don’t have with Josh [Zirkzee], [Matheus] Cunha and even with Rasmus [Hojlund] in the past. We have a guy who likes to go inside the box to have a header, he can run – we need to use him more as a runner. He’s going to improve. You can feel that he feels the pace is different, he’s going to get used to that, but maybe, against City, it’s a good moment to start the game.”

Midfield Adjustments Could Offer Fresh Spark

Amorim has indicated that Bruno Fernandes might operate in one of the dual No10 roles, which could open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to make his first Premier League start of the season. Mainoo, alongside Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, offers flexibility and energy in central areas, potentially providing United with a new dynamic to challenge City’s dominance.

On the flanks, Patrick Dorgu is expected to replace Dalot at left-wing back. The 20-year-old, who was sparingly used by Denmark during the recent international break, should be well-rested and ready to contribute both defensively and offensively.

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Defence and Goalkeeping Stability

Altay Bayindir will remain in goal despite the acquisition of Senne Lammens, giving United a consistent presence between the posts. In defence, Yoro, De Ligt and Shaw form the back three, tasked with managing City’s attacking threats, while Amad and Dorgu provide width from full-back positions.

United’s injury list remains a concern, with Cunha, Mount, Dalot, and Martinez unavailable for selection. Despite this, Amorim has shaped a side capable of competing in one of the Premier League’s most high-profile fixtures.

Predicted Manchester United Lineup and Match Details

United are likely to field the following XI: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Fernandes; Sesko.

The match kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can expect an intense contest, as both Manchester sides seek to assert themselves early in the Premier League season.

Manchester United face the dual challenge of integrating promising talent like Sesko and Mainoo while containing Manchester City’s attacking prowess. This clash offers a glimpse of how Amorim’s squad depth could influence the Premier League title race, and whether United can claim a statement result at the Etihad.