Man United Vs Man City: Red Devils, Cityzens Set For Manchester Derby Fireworks

Manchester City are set to take a short trip to Old Trafford for a blockbuster Manchester derby clash against rivals Manchester United in Premier League 2026/2027 matchday 4 clash on Sunday, 13 September, 2026.

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The Red Devils are seeking for consecutive derby league victories over their in-form ‘noisy neighbours’ for the first time in 16 years.

Teams’ Form And Recent Performances

Man United

United had a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season when they lost 2-0 to newly-promoted side, Hull City on the opening weekend.

The Red Devils got their first win in the following match against another promoted outfit, Ipswich Town 5-2 courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ masterclass.

Also Read: Carrick Merely An Interim Solution For Manchester United –Carragher

United followed that up with a 2-2 draw away at Everton before despatching Sabah FK 4-0 on their return to the UEFA Champions League.

Man City

City are currently enjoying a perfect start to life compared to their Manchester rivals having won all their matches so far this season.

The Cityzens defeated Bournemouth 2-1 in their opening match of the campaign, before recording 4-1 and 1-0 victories over Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Coventry City respectively.

Enzo Maresca’s side took that imperious form to Europe where they pipped FC Porto 2-0 at the Estadio do Dragao courtesy Erling Haaland’s brace.

Head-To-Head Statistics

Man United have met Man City 188 times with the Red Devils recording 76 victories to their rivals’ 60 while 52 matches have ended in draws.

United won 2-0 the last time these two sides met with Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu on the scoresheet to give Michael Carrick, who was then an interim manager, his first Manchester derby victory as a head coach.

Man United will be looking to secure successive league victories over City for the first time in 16 years.

The last time they did so was in the 2009/10 season when the Red Devils inflicted a 4-3 defeat to City with Michael Owen scoring a memorable ‘Fergie time’ stoppage winner before a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a 93rd minute strike from Paul Scholes.

Key Players Analysis

Man United

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes is arguably United’s best player so far this season having scored four goals and provided an assist.

The 32-year-old Portuguese star enjoys playing in the Manchester derby as he has netted four goals and provided five assists in this fixture.

Fernandes is a direct, high-risk and energetic playmaker who dictates the rhythm of the game through elite vision and relentless movement with a keen eye for goals.

Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has been decent for United this season with two goals and an assist to emerge as one of the Premier League giants’ key players

The 27-year-old is a pacy, versatile and direct forward who excels at quick transitions, intelligent off-the-ball movement, and clinical finishing.

Man City

Erling Haaland

Haaland continued from where he left off last season, starting the new campaign on a high note with five goals in four games for the Cityzens.

The Norwegian talisman is an elite centre-forward who combines rare physical dominance with the instincts of a modern clinical poacher.

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Just like Fernandes, Haaland also loves playing in this fixture having notched eight goals and three assists in 10 Manchester derby matches.

Rayan Cherki

Cherki has also started the season on an impressive note following two goals and as many assists for Maresca’s side.

The France international is a highly creative, inventive attacking midfielder and winger known for his rare two-footed ability, flair, and unpredictable dribbling style.

Team News

Man United

Long-serving left-back Luke Shaw was absent from United’s lineup against Sabah, but Carrick explained in an update that the Englishman’s absence was solely due to a cramp he had against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Shaw should be given the greenlight to start his 300th Premier League game, but Carlos Baleba (ankle), Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Tom Heaton (hamstring), and Amad Diallo (ankle) are all out.

Marcus Rashford could be back in contention after missing out of the starting XI in the rout of Sabah.

Man City

City have received positive injury news regarding Nico O’Reilly, who withdrew from the side’s 1-0 win over Coventry. The academy product is back in contention having also missed City’s 2-0 win away at Porto in the Champions League.

Jeremy Doku is still out after suffering an injury in the team’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Phil Foden is expected to be back in the starting eleven following his display in midweek.

Enzo Fernandez made his full debut last weekend and should return to the starting lineup after similarly impressing against Porto, setting up Haaland’s header, but Ayyoub Bouaddi should be replaced by Elliot Anderson, an ex-Man United transfer target.

Possible Starting Line-Ups

Man United (4-2-3-1):

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbuemo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha

Man City (4-1-4-1):

Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson; Semenyo, Fernandez, Cherki, Foden; Haaland