news-engine

After an important victory over FC Porto in midweek, Manchester City now prepare for one of the most significant occasions in the footballing calendar, the Manchester derby, as they travel the short distance to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United on Sunday. Last time out, Manchester City ran out 0-2 victors in a tough away clash at Estadio do Dragao against FC Porto on Tuesday night as Enzo Maresca secured his first victory on the UEFA Champions League stage as head coach of the Etihad Stadium side. Throughout the first 45 minutes, the Blues had the lion's share of possession with 69% of the ball, but despite their dominance, struggled to find the back of the net largely due to the heroics of Diogo Costa between the sticks denying the likes of Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki from close range. Yet, there was only so much the Portuguese shot-stopper could do, as just two minutes after the interval, an excellent floated cross from Enzo Fernandez allowed City's inevitable No.9 to leap highest and dispatch a header into the back of the net. Regardless of what the lopsided statistics may portray, the remainder of the encounter was far from smooth sailing for Enzo Maresca's men, as Portugal's domestic champions - who had not lost a home game since October 2025 - provided the visitors with an arduous second period during which City's one-goal deficit began to look increasingly precarious. Nevertheless, those adorned in black and yellow remained defensively steadfast, keeping Francesco Farioli's side at bay before Erling Haaland, in the final minute of normal time, latched on to a superb pass from substitute Rayan Ait-Nouri to sweep home and finally put the result beyond all reasonable doubt. That goal not only made sure of an invaluable three points on the opening night of the Champions League's league phase, but it also broke yet another record for the Blues' world-beating talisman, as the Norwegian became the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer with 167 goals, behind only Eric Brook with 177 and Sergio Aguero with 260. Now though, it is all eyes on the Manchester derby in the Premier League as the 'Noisy Neighbours' travel to Old Trafford for the 199th iteration of this historic rivalry, this time under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca. Michael Carrick's side come into the game with five points from a possible nine following a 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton, where a phenomenal long-range strike from Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the 96th minute saw the reds pegged back. Here is everything you need to know ahead of another highly anticipated derby day! Match Details Manchester City make the short trip across town to Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September, to take on Manchester United, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 (UK). Match Officials The Premier League have confirmed Michael Oliver will be the man in the middle on Sunday, who last officiated Manchester City in May, overseeing a breathless 3-3 draw against Everton on Merseyside when the sublime performance of Jeremy Doku snatched the Blues a point. In City's 66 fixtures overseen by the 41-year-old, they have emerged victorious on 46 occasions, drawing nine, and losing the remaining eleven. Throughout the course of these matches, Manchester City have received a total of 101 yellow cards, one dismissal via a second yellow card, and have had 12 penalties awarded in their favour. Check out the full list of match officials below! Team News For the hosts, Manuel Ugarte is unavailable after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the FIFA World Cup with Uruguay in June, whilst Matthijs de Light is also sidelined due to a back injury, which has seen the Dutchman ruled out of action since December. Manchester United's £70 million summer signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, Carlos Baleba, is also likely to be ruled out as a result of an ankle injury. Wing duo Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo are also carrying knocks but could be available. For Manchester City, Jeremy Doku is expected to be sidelined once again as the Belgian continues to recover from the calf injury he picked up during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff. 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year Nico O'Reilly is also a potential absentee for Enzo Maresca and Manchester City owing to a back problem felt in the warm-up prior to the 1-0 win over Coventry City, which saw him miss the Blues' clash against Porto in midweek. Press Conference Quotes Enzo Maresca is due to face the media from 10:30 (UK) on Friday afternoon. Refresh for updates. Head to Head In the most recent edition of the Manchester derby, it was the Red Devils who came out on top at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick's side won the game 2-0, with Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu finding the net after a rather toothless and underwhelming performance. Historically, in the previous 198 fixtures between the sides, which date back over 145 years, Manchester City have triumphed 63 times, drawing 54 and losing the remaining 81 contests. Statistics Manchester United won this exact fixture last season 2-0 but haven’t beaten rivals Manchester City twice in a row at home in the Premier League since a run of three under Alex Ferguson from 2008-09 to 2010-11. Manchester City have won just one of their last four Premier League games against Manchester United (D1 L2), this after winning five of their six beforehand (L1). Manchester United have conceded twice in all three of their Premier League games this season. Only in 1926-27 (first 5), 1930-31 (12) and 1969-70 (4) have they shipped 2+ goals in each of their first four in a league campaign. Manchester United and Manchester City (19 each) had the most shots on target across the opening three Premier League matchdays this season, while the Red Devils had the most shots overall (68) and accumulated the second highest xG (7.3). Manchester City are looking to win each of their opening four games to a Premier League campaign for the seventh time, which would be the outright most of any side (Chelsea also 6). They’ve gone on to win the league on just two of the previous six occasions they’ve won their first four in the competition (2011-12 and 2023-24). Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has scored eight goals in seven Premier League appearances against Manchester United, although just two of those have come at Old Trafford. Only Mo Salah (13) and Alan Shearer (10) have scored more times against the Red Devils in the competition. How to Watch For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Manchester derby will be available to stream live on Sky Sports from 16:30 BST. For those based in the United States, the tie will be broadcast live on Peacock with action getting underway from 11:30 EDT. You can view the full global TV listings HERE! City Xtra will have full live coverage available on our X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram channels throughout matchday, with content also provided on cityxtra.co.uk!