Premier League Preview: Manchester Derby — United vs City

Current Season Form (Premier League)

• Manchester United: 8-8-5, 32 points
• Manchester City: 13-4-4, 43 points

Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions)

• Manchester City 3–0 Manchester United — Sept. 14, 2025
• Manchester United 0–0 Manchester City — Apr. 6, 2025
• Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United — Dec. 15, 2024
• Manchester City 1–1 Manchester United — Aug. 10, 2024 (Community Shield)
• Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United — May 25, 2024 (FA Cup Final)

Betting Lines (via ESPN)

• Manchester City Moneyline: -130
• Manchester United Moneyline: +320
• Draw: +300
• Over/Under: 3.5 goals

Star Players to Watch

Manchester City

• Erling Haaland — The league’s most dangerous finisher, Haaland has 20 goals in 21 matches and remains the primary difference-maker in high-profile games.
• Phil Foden — City’s creative spark, capable of unlocking defenses with intelligent movement and sharp passing. He has scored 7 goals this season.

Manchester United

• Bruno Fernandes — United’s creative hub and emotional leader, Fernandes has recorded 5 goals and 8 assists while controlling tempo and set pieces.
• Casemiro — The midfield anchor for United, providing defensive stability while contributing 4 goals from deeper positions.

How Each Team Can Control the Game

Manchester City

• Dominate possession and dictate tempo through midfield control.
• Press aggressively to prevent United from building rhythm in transition.
• Exploit Erling Haaland’s off-ball movement against United’s center backs.

Manchester United

• Remain compact defensively and attack quickly on the counter.
• Stretch City’s defensive shape through the Fernandes–Mbeumo connection.
• Capitalize on set-piece opportunities, where United remain a consistent threat.

Prediction

The Manchester Derby rarely disappoints, and a mid-season clash at Old Trafford only heightens the intensity. United supporters will create a hostile atmosphere as they search for a statement win, but for City, the task is straightforward: three points to stay firmly in the title race.

Recent history points toward a familiar outcome. City’s consistency and efficiency in derby matches give them the edge once again in what should be a competitive, high-quality contest.

Prediction: Manchester City 2, Manchester United 1