Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw or City win
• Both teams to score

The Manchester Derby returns to the Etihad Stadium with both teams aiming to reignite their respective campaigns.

Manchester City enter as favourites despite their uncharacteristically poor form, while Manchester United look to build on recent European success under new boss Ruben Amorim.

You can read our analysis of this Manchester derby by clicking here.

Manchester City: Champions Seeking Resurgence

By their own high standards, Manchester City are enduring a torrid run of form. A 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the UEFA Champions League midweek marked their seventh loss in ten matches across all competitions (W1, D2), a dramatic fall for the reigning Premier League champions.

Having played a game more than league leaders Liverpool, City now sit eight points adrift, leaving their pursuit of a fifth successive title looking increasingly unrealistic.

Despite their struggles, City have been a force at the Etihad, losing just once at home this season (W7, D3).

The blue side of Manchester also boasts a strong recent derby record, winning five of the last six Premier League meetings against United (L1).

Pep Guardiola’s side will be determined to avenge their FA Cup final defeat to United last season and reclaim bragging rights in the city.

Key Players

• Erling Haaland and Phil Foden will be pivotal for City’s attack. Both are chasing history, sitting just two goals shy of Sergio Agüero’s club record of eight goals in Premier League Manchester derbies.

Manchester United: A New Era Under Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s appointment has brought mixed fortunes for Manchester United, but their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Viktoria Plzeň on Thursday showcased their fighting spirit.

That victory snapped a two-match losing streak and made Amorim just the third manager in club history to win his first two European games.

United’s away form remains a concern, having secured their first win on the road since mid-September with a 2-1 triumph last weekend.

The Red Devils haven’t managed consecutive away victories since February, highlighting their inconsistency.

Adding to the challenge, United have lost their last three trips to the Etihad, with the prospect of a fourth consecutive defeat looming—a fate they haven’t suffered in this derby since the 1950s under Sir Matt Busby.

Key Player

• Bruno Fernandes will be instrumental in United’s chances. The captain has assisted a goal in each of his last three derby appearances and was pivotal in their midweek European win, providing the decisive assist late on.

Tactical Battle

Manchester City will look to dominate possession and control the tempo, utilising their precision passing and attacking fluidity to break down United’s defence.

Guardiola may also seek to exploit United’s vulnerabilities in transition, particularly with Haaland and Foden’s pace and finishing ability.

United, under Amorim, are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive organisation and counter-attacks.

With Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield and Marcus Rashford’s speed in behind, United could capitalise on City’s defensive lapses. Set-pieces may also prove crucial in a match where fine margins often decide the outcome.

What’s at Stake

• Manchester City: A win would not only restore pride after recent setbacks but also keep their slim title hopes alive while solidifying their home dominance.
• Manchester United: Victory would mark a statement win for Ruben Amorim’s tenure, potentially sparking a resurgence in their inconsistent season and boosting confidence for the battles ahead.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Manchester City have won five of the last six Premier League derbies (L1).
• United haven’t won back-to-back away games since February.
• Haaland and Foden are chasing club history with two more derby goals needed to match Agüero’s record.
• Bruno Fernandes has assisted in his last three derby appearances, highlighting his creative influence.

Prediction

Derbies often defy form, but Manchester City’s recent struggles and United’s renewed energy under Amorim make this encounter particularly unpredictable.

City’s home advantage and superior firepower could give them the edge, but United’s counter-attacking threat cannot be underestimated.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Manchester’s two footballing giants clash once again. Will City reassert their dominance, or can United deliver a shock under their new manager? Football fans are in for a thrilling spectacle at the Etihad.

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Man City v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League