The first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 Premier League season has Manchester United hosting Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Michael Carrick's side come into this game on the back of a 4-0 rout of UEFA Champions League debutants Sabah FK in midweek action, although the draw against Everton and the opening day loss to Hull City have left them eleventh in the league table going into the weekend.
Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, has won all three league games as City top the table. They began their UCL campaign with a 2-0 win away to FC Porto to make it four wins from four after their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
Here's everything you need to know about the match.
How to watch:
The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports in the UK, NBC/Peacock in the U.S., JioHotstar in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates here.
Key Details:
Date, kick-off time:
U.S ET: Sunday, September 13, 11:30 a.m.
UK BST: Sunday, September 13, 4:30 p.m.
India IST: Sunday, September 13, 9 p.m.
Australia AEST: Monday, September 14, 1:30 a.m.
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Matt Donohue
Injury and Team News
Manchester United
Carlos Baleba, M: ankle, OUT
Amad Diallo, F: muscle, OUT
Matthijs de Ligt, D: back, OUT
Manuel Ugarte, M: ACL, OUT
Manchester City
Nico O'Reilly, D: back, OUT
Jérémy Doku: calf, OUT
Expected Lineups
Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Senne Lammens
Diogo Dalot | Harry Maguire | Lisandro Martínez | Luke Shaw
Youri Tielemans | Kobbie Mainoo
Bryan Mbeumo | Bruno Fernandes | Marcus Rashford
Benjamin Sesko
Manchester City Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Abdukodir Khusanov | Rúben Dias | Marc Guéhi | Josko Gvardiol
Elliot Anderson | Enzo Fernández
Rayan Cherki | Phil Foden | Antoine Semenyo
Erling Haaland
Talking Points
Šeško or Cunha - the dilemma for Carrick
Calls for Benjamin Šeško to start the Manchester derby only grew louder after his impressive performance against Sabah FK in United's UCL opener. That he was replaced in the 64th minute with Carrick's side leading 3-0 perhaps points to what might happen on Sunday.
The Slovenian has had a frustrating start to the season, not starting any of United's three league games so far. Carrick has preferred the talents of Matheus Cunha up front, although he might need Šeško against City's bruising centre-backs.
Yet, the last time City came to Old Trafford, Carrick began this spell in charge of United with a 2-0 win predicated around speed on counter-attacks. Enzo Maresca hasn't departed much from Pep Guardiola's style and Carrick might prefer having Cunha to supply passes for either Marcus Rashford or Bryan Mbeumo on the break.
Šeško also represents a great option off the bench if United are chasing a goal -- like his strike against Everton -- but Carrick will have to ensure his side shore up in defence. The club have conceded two or more goals in all three league games so far.
Maresca's opportunity to endear himself to City fans
It might feel a bit odd to claim that a coach who was part of City's treble-winning season needs to endear himself to the fans, but that holds true for Enzo Maresca. It's all well defeating the likes of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City (with all due respect), but City were found wanting in their first test of the season in the Community Shield against Arsenal.
A loss against Man United would raise further questions about the Italian's ability in big games -- although a 2-0 win away to FC Porto (who lost at home for the first time in 2026) is not to be underestimated. Much of City's improvement since the defeat to Arsenal has come from their new signings, especially in midfield, with Enzo Fernández dovetailing well with both Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson.
However, if Carrick sets up to cede possession, City's midfield dominance might be moot -- and their problems defending counter-attacks, especially at right-back, might come back to haunt them. Thankfully for City, Erling Haaland is amongst the goals, and he'll be hoping to improve his record at Old Trafford, having only scored in one of his three games at the ground.
What do the numbers say?
Manchester City have only won one of their last four games against Manchester United.
Michael Carrick could become only the third Man United manager (Albert Albut in 1895 and John Bentley in 1913) to win both of his first two league games against City.
The last time Man United earned consecutive home wins over City in the league was a run of three victories between 2008-09 to 2010-11 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Both teams have had the most shots on target (19) in the league so far this season.
Only two of Erling Haaland's eight PL goals (in seven games) against Manchester United have come at Old Trafford.
