Head-to-Head
- City are unbeaten in their last five competitive head-to-heads with United (W3, D2).
- City won the most recent derby at the Etihad 3-0 in September 2025.
Manchester United
- Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim manager of Manchester United was the right one for all parties after the club sacked Ruben Amorim on Thursday.
- The former number two has to steady the ship and bring some fresh ideas to Old Trafford, but his tactical nous will be put to the test against Manchester City in the most famous English local derby.
- United were an extremely vertical team under Amorim, playing with a back three, high wing-backs and rapid vertical attacks.
- Carrick’s approach will surely be more rigid, prioritising structure and control in the middle of the field, which should suit the talented but young Kobbie Mainoo.
- Bruno Fernandes is United’s creative hub, providing set-piece quality and a constant supply of chances for his team.
- He is surrounded by an injury-hit and rotating squad.
- Benjamin Šeško can score - he bagged a brace against Burnley but lacks the presence of Erling Haaland.
Manchester City
- The Citizens come into the derby on a five-game unbeaten run across the league and Champions League, including victories in both competitions.
- Manchester City are in great shape across the pitch and will travel to Old Trafford in confident mood, knowing they can hurt United.
- Rodri’s presence in the centre of City’s midfield gives them the ability to play a high-tempo game and dictate the rhythm.
- City have a nearly full-strength XI with both their main creative midfielder and their main finisher on song.
Key Players
- Phil Foden’s presence gives City an edge.
- Erling Haaland is a big-game beast.
- Bruno Fernandes is United’s creative hub.
- Kobbie Mainoo should benefit from a more controlled Carrick system.
- Benjamin Šeško can score and showed that with a brace against Burnley.
- Rodri provides midfield control and tempo for City.
Betting Insights
- City are the favorites at 1.9 to win on Saturday.
- United are available at 3.55 and the draw at 3.85 looks too large to back.
- The most common market view is an away win, with 2-1 a popular exact-score pick.
Prediction
The most likely outcome is an away win for Manchester City , with a predicted score of 2-1 .
