The Manchester derby is always one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the Premier League calendar, and this Sunday’s meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City promises to be no different. Set to take place at Old Trafford, this exciting encounter has more than just local bragging rights on the line, as both teams have plenty to play for in the final stretch of the season. For United, it’s about completing a league double over their bitter rivals, while City are fighting to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
A Clash of Rivals with a Lot at Stake
When Manchester United and Manchester City face off, the atmosphere is electric, and this weekend’s match is sure to live up to that expectation. The first derby of the season, played at the Etihad in December, was a dramatic affair, with United securing a stunning 2-1 victory. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were the heroes for United, scoring late goals to complete a remarkable turnaround. That win handed United a huge morale boost, and they’ll be eager to replicate that success at home to complete the league double over City.
However, for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, securing all three points is far more important. City’s pursuit of a top-four finish is at a critical point, and victory at Old Trafford would not only boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League but would also provide a much-needed boost to their faltering form. While United have exceeded expectations this season, City have been inconsistent, which only adds to the pressure of this high-stakes derby.
With both teams in very different positions in the league, this match could have a significant impact on the remainder of the season for both clubs.
When and Where is the Manchester Derby?
- Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2025
- Kick-off: 16:30 GMT / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- Referee: John Brooks
- VAR: Paul Tierney
Man Utd vs Man City: Recent Head-to-Head Record
Looking at the last five encounters between these two teams, City have the upper hand, winning three of the recent derbies, while United have claimed two victories. There have been no draws between the two sides in their last five Premier League meetings, highlighting just how competitive this fixture has become in recent seasons. The last meeting, in December 2024, saw United edge out City 2-1 at the Etihad, making them hopeful of repeating the feat at home.
Here’s how the recent form looks:
- Manchester United: 2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses
- Manchester City: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses
Recent Form: Man Utd vs Man City
Both teams enter this match with mixed results from their recent fixtures. Manchester United suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in their last outing, following a solid 3-0 win over Leicester. Their form has been inconsistent, and they will need to show resilience to challenge City.
On the other hand, Manchester City comes into this game after a solid 2-0 win over Leicester City and a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. However, their recent performances have been far from perfect, and they are struggling to maintain the kind of form that saw them dominate the league last season. The lack of key players due to injuries has certainly hurt their campaign, but City will look to bounce back in the derby and prove that they still have what it takes to finish in the top four.
Man Utd Team News: A Key Player Returns
United have received some much-needed good news ahead of the derby. Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Mason Mount have all been reintegrated into the matchday squad after returning from injury. The trio came through their respective fitness tests unscathed and are available for selection against City. This is a massive boost for manager Ruben Amorim, especially as United have been dealing with a growing list of injuries this season.
While Maguire could potentially return to the lineup after Matthijs de Ligt suffered a knock, there’s still doubt about the Dutchman’s availability for this game. Other notable absentees include Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Ayden Heaven, all of whom are sidelined with injuries. Kobbie Mainoo, who has been out since early February, is in contention to make the matchday squad, which could add extra depth to United’s midfield.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs Man City (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Ronaël Dorgu
- Forwards: Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho
- Striker: Joshua Zirkzee
United will likely go with a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Onana in goal and a back three of Yoro, Maguire, and Mazraoui. In midfield, Ugarte will play alongside Fernandes and Dalot, while Mount and Garnacho will support Zirkzee in attack. This formation offers United a strong defensive foundation while giving them the ability to transition quickly and exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Man City Team News: Key Injuries Still a Concern
For City, the injury list continues to pose problems. Erling Haaland, their talismanic striker, remains sidelined, and his absence will be felt, particularly in a match of this magnitude. Omar Marmoush has stepped up in Haaland’s place, scoring a goal against Leicester, but he is unlikely to fully replicate the Norwegian’s dominance in the box.
Defensively, City have several key players missing, including Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji. These absences leave Guardiola with fewer options at the back, which could be a major weakness as they face United’s attacking threats. The return of Oscar Bobb from injury is a positive for City, and he could provide some fresh energy in the final third.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Johnny O’Reilly
- Midfielders: Gabriel Nunes, Mateo Kovacic
- Attacking Midfielders: Savinho, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku
- Striker: Omar Marmoush
Guardiola will likely field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ederson in goal. The back four will be made up of Cancelo, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly, while Nunes and Kovacic will anchor the midfield. Savinho, Foden, and Doku will provide attacking support behind Marmoush in the lone striker role. City’s lineup has a balanced look, but their lack of depth in key positions could leave them vulnerable, especially against United’s quick and dynamic attack.
Man Utd vs Man City Score Prediction
Predicting the outcome of a Manchester derby is always a difficult task, but based on recent form and the injury concerns surrounding both teams, this match is likely to be a close affair. Manchester City, despite being the stronger team on paper, have shown signs of weakness this season, and their injuries could play a significant role in the result. United, while not at their best, have shown resilience in big matches and will certainly be up for the challenge.
Given the stakes, it’s unlikely that either team will run away with the game, and a draw seems like a plausible outcome. United will be desperate to avoid defeat in front of their home fans, while City will be determined to secure all three points in their push for a top-four finish.
Prediction: Man Utd 1-1 Man City
This will likely be a hard-fought and gritty contest, with both teams sharing the spoils at Old Trafford. United will be confident after their victory earlier in the season, while City will be looking to make a statement in their bid for European qualification. Ultimately, a 1-1 draw seems like a fair result for this thrilling derby encounter.
