Back to Premier League action after a two-week rest for the international break, Manchester United visit bitter rivals Manchester City this weekend.
Sunday’s mammoth fixture at the Etihad Stadium that will mark the 51st Premier League edition of the Manchester derby.
New manager Erik ten Hag endured a rough start to his managerial tenure at Old Trafford, losing his opening two league matches, but he has since found the winning formula.
A 2-1 home triumph over arch-rivals Liverpool in late August was a turning point for the Red Devils, who have since strung together another three Premier League victories.
With a game in hand on pacesetters Arsenal, Man Utd will view a six-point deficit on the league summit as bridgeable, although room for complacency is long gone.
According to The Times, Ten Hag may not have the luxury of playing his standout forward Marcus Rashford after the Englishman apparently lost the race against time to recover from a muscle injury.
There is still some optimism that the 24-year-old could make himself available to the gaffer against the odds and help Man Utd keep hold of their lead in the all-time Premier League H2H stakes (W24, D9, L17).
Match Preview
Manchester City
Sunday’s clash is one of the most challenging tasks awaiting ten Hag’s side in October, but at the same time, it’s one of the most exciting Man Utd fixtures on TV you’ll find these days.
After winning both last season’s Premier League meetings with the Red Devils via multi-goal margins, Man City will be out to post a third straight league triumph over United for the first time since November 2014.
Despite an underwhelming international with Norway, marquee striker Erling Braut Haaland will be Pep Guardiola’s most trusted ally after tallying a stunning 11 goals in his first six league appearances for the club.
Manchester United
Man Utd claimed a routine 2-0 Europa League win at Sheriff Tiraspol before the international break, but Sunday’s game won’t be as straightforward as their visit to Moldova.
Ten Hag goes up against tradition as he looks to become the first Man Utd manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first Manchester derby in charge of the Red Devils.
While that looks like an arduous task, the Dutchman’s reunion with his former Ajax protege Antony can inspire his bid to take down the Cityzens and lead United to five straight league wins for the first time since 2021.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Potential Line-ups
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker; Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia; Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Antony; Cristiano Ronaldo.
How to Watch: Kickoff Time, TV Channel & Streaming Options
This game, like most Man Utd fixtures on tv this season, in England’s top flight, is available to watch via Sky Sports. The Manchester derby kicks off at 14:00 on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with the match coverage starting on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:00.
For those outside the UK, see this resource on how to watch Man Utd games live for more info.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction
Discipline at the back against the most prolific Premier League side could prove key to Man Utd’s bid to upset the odds at the Etihad.
It seems Ten Hag has found a way to tighten up his side’s vulnerable backline, with United keeping three clean sheets in their last five competitive outings.
Superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo may have experienced a stuttering start to the season, but he’s always been the man for the big occasion.
Hungry to prove not just ten Hag but the world that he’s not past his best, the Portugal captain could be a game-changer on Sunday.
We expect United to pick up at least a point.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
