The Daily Star Ireland
The Manchester derby returns to the Etihad Stadium with both clubs under pressure to deliver. Manchester City, still adapting after a summer of change, face a Manchester United side in transition under Ruben Amorim. With injuries on both sides and new signings still settling in, this showdown promises intensity, unpredictability, and high stakes.
City’s Transitional Phase
City enter the clash missing several important names. Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, winger Savinho, backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, and the out-of-favour Kalvin Phillips are all sidelined. French international Rayan Cherki failed to impress on his first start last weekend, and doubts remain over how he fits into Guardiola’s system.
The Sky Blues have already shown cracks, with their defense looking shaky and their attack occasionally blunt. Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush have both found the net but are struggling to form a fluid partnership.
This summer marked the end of an era with the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli after becoming one of City’s greatest-ever players. Veteran Kyle Walker left for Burnley, while Jack Grealish (Everton) and James McAtee (Nottingham Forest) also moved on. To rebuild, City brought in James Trafford (Burnley), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolves), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Antonio Nusa Nypan (Rosenborg), and Cherki (Lyon). These signings bring youth and potential, but cohesion is still a work in progress.
United’s Rebuild Under Amorim
On the other side, Manchester United remain a team in transition. Defenders Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui are unavailable, leaving Amorim’s back line stretched. Turkish keeper Altay Bayındır has been preferred over André Onana, while young French defender Leny Yoro has impressed with his composure.
Captain Bruno Fernandes remains central, though he missed a penalty last weekend. He sits on 99 goals for the club and will be desperate to make his century in a derby. Up front, new arrivals Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), and Matheus Cunha (Wolves) are reshaping the attack. Mbeumo has already struck twice, while Šeško is being gradually eased in. United also added promising left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño.
The squad also saw veteran exits: Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen departed after their contracts expired, while Jonny Evans retired. Club academy graduate Marcus Rashford, after his loan spell at Aston Villa, joined Barcelona permanently, signaling a changing of the guard.
Tactical Outlook
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is designed for energy and quick transitions. If Mbeumo and Cunha pass fitness tests, United could cause problems on the break, especially against City’s high defensive line. Fernandes’ creativity and Šeško’s aerial presence will be central to their counter-attacking strategy.
For Guardiola, possession and midfield control remain the foundation. Expect Haaland to be supported by Reijnders, who has quickly become an important link between defense and attack. City’s dominance of the ball may pin United back, but lapses in concentration could leave them exposed to rapid counters.
Prediction: City’s Edge at Home
Form and fitness concerns on both sides suggest a tight contest. United’s poor away record—winless in their last six league trips—contrasts with City’s strong home form, where they have won five of their last seven matches.
United will have their moments, especially on the counter, but City’s depth and home advantage should prove decisive. Expect United to push hard early, with Fernandes pulling the strings, but City’s relentless pressure and Haaland’s clinical edge are likely to secure another statement win at the Etihad.
Prediction: Manchester City 3 – 1 Manchester United
