The first Manchester Derby of the 2026-27 season is set for Old Trafford on September 13, as United host City.

Defensive Improvement Required For United

Michael Carrick will likely be frustrated with the start to the season that Manchester United have endured. The Red Devils have won just once in the opening three rounds of Premier League fixtures.

A major concern has been their defensive record, as United have conceded at least two goals in every EPL outing. However, their dazzling attacking record still catches the eye, with seven goals scored in games against Ipswich and Everton.

Bruno Fernandes is the key man for the hosts, with the Portuguese having racked up five goal involvements in three starts. Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt are unavailable for the derby this Sunday.

Manchester United predicted lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbuemo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha

City Hitting Their Form Under Maresca

Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City have hit form since losing the Community Shield against Arsenal, having won four on the bounce.

The Citizens have looked more reliable defensively recently, keeping clean sheets in back-to-back fixtures in all competitions. Enzo Fernandez has made a sharp start to his City career, registering two assists in as many starts.

Erling Haaland has also hit form, scoring three goals in back-to-back wins against Coventry and Porto. Nico O’Reilly is unlikely to return from injury this weekend, while Jeremy Doku is set to be out of action until October.

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Fernandez, Ndiaye; Haaland

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Both Teams to Score
  • Odds: 1.44 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: G4S7L
  • Correct score prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City

Key stats:

  • Manchester United have scored at least once in nine of their last ten at Old Trafford.
  • The Red Devils have conceded at least twice in each of their opening three EPL fixtures.
  • Man City have scored at least once in five of their previous six.

Based on the attacking talent on display this weekend, Both teams to score looks like a standout selection. Manchester United have excelled at Old Trafford under Carrick, scoring at least once in nine of their last ten. The Red Devils have also shown attacking threat this season with seven goals in their last ten.

However, the defensive record of the hosts is a major concern, as they have allowed at least two goals in three straight EPL fixtures. Manchester City’s attacking record ensures that they should find the net on Sunday, having registered at least one goal in five of their previous six.

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Manchester City
  • Odds: 2.12 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PYXUL

Manchester United haven’t won back-to-back clashes against Manchester City since 2010-11, meaning that an away victory makes a value appeal this weekend.

The Citizens will be less fatigued than their city rivals, as they have two extra days to recover from their respective MD1 Champions League clashes. Erling Haaland’s physical presence will likely unsettle a weak United backline, and the Norwegian has scored eight in seven appearances against the Red Devils.

Verdict: Both teams to Score (1.444) — Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City