The Etihad Stadium will host one of football’s most iconic rivalries on Saturday night as Manchester City welcome Manchester United in a crucial Manchester derby. With City struggling for form and United finally finding their feet, this fixture promises to be a fascinating encounter that could define both teams’ early season trajectory.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Time | 15:30 UTC |
| Venue | Etihad Stadium, Manchester |
| Competition | Premier League |
This highly anticipated Manchester derby brings together two clubs at very different points in their seasons. Manchester City, despite their early-season struggles with back-to-back defeats, host a Manchester United side that has just secured their first win of the campaign. The contrast in squad values and recent form makes this fixture particularly intriguing.
Both teams enter this clash with contrasting momentum. While City looked dominant in their opening fixture with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton, consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton have raised questions. United, meanwhile, have finally broken their winless streak with a hard-fought victory over Burnley.
Recent Form Analysis
Manchester City Last 5 Matches
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 31 Aug 2025 | EPL | Brighton | Away | L 1-2 |
| 23 Aug 2025 | EPL | Tottenham | Home | L 0-2 |
| 16 Aug 2025 | EPL | Wolverhampton | Away | W 4-0 |
| 01 Jul 2025 | CWC | Al Hilal | Neutral | D 2-2 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | CWC | Juventus | Neutral | W 5-2 |
Manchester United Last 5 Matches
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 30 Aug 2025 | EPL | Burnley | Home | W 3-2 |
| 27 Aug 2025 | EFL | Grimsby Town | Away | D 2-2 |
| 24 Aug 2025 | EPL | Fulham | Away | D 1-1 |
| 17 Aug 2025 | EPL | Arsenal | Home | L 0-1 |
| 25 May 2025 | EPL | Aston Villa | Home | W 2-0 |
Manchester City have endured a difficult start to the season, managing just one league win from three matches. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, conceding in four of their past five home league matches. United’s form has been inconsistent but shows signs of improvement, with their victory over Burnley providing much-needed confidence.
Key Stats & Analysis
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Venue | Result | Competition |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Old Trafford | Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City | Premier League |
| Dec 15, 2024 | Etihad Stadium | Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United | Premier League |
| Aug 10, 2024 | Wembley | Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United | Community Shield |
| May 25, 2024 | Wembley | Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United | FA Cup |
| Mar 3, 2024 | Etihad Stadium | Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United | Premier League |
Squad Value
| Club | Squad Value (Estimated) |
| Manchester City | €1.23bn |
| Manchester United | €748.20m |
Expected Formations
- Manchester City: 4-3-3 with Haaland leading the line if fit, supported by wingers and creative midfielders
- Manchester United: 3-4-3 formation with Bruno Fernandes likely joined by Casemiro in central midfield
Players to Watch
 |  |  |
| Erling Haaland | Phil Foden | Savinho |
Manchester City:
- Erling Haaland – The Norwegian striker will be crucial to City’s attacking threat if fit
- Phil Foden – Key creative player returning from international duty
- Savinho – New signing looking to make an impact
 |  |  |
| Bruno Fernandes | Bryan Mbeumo | Casemiro |
Manchester United:
- Bruno Fernandes – Has scored or assisted in four of his past six appearances against City
- Bryan Mbeumo – Has scored in each of his last two games and looks United’s most threatening attacker
- Casemiro – Will be vital in breaking up City’s attacking play
Injury Updates
Manchester City:
- Mateo Kovacic – Out through injury
- Rayan Cherki – Missing through injury
Manchester United:
- Matheus Cunha – Awaiting assessment after injury
- Mason Mount – Fitness concern after pre-international break injury
Tactical Insight
Manchester City’s recent defensive frailties could be exploited by United’s improving attack, particularly through the pace and creativity of Mbeumo and Fernandes. City have conceded in four of their past five home league matches, suggesting vulnerability at the back.
United’s poor away record, winless in their past six league games on the road, contrasts with their improved home form. However, City’s own struggles at home this season level the playing field somewhat.
The battle in midfield will be crucial, with Fernandes’ creativity against City’s pressing game likely to determine the flow of the match. City’s ability to bounce back from consecutive defeats will be tested against a United side growing in confidence.
Score Prediction
Predicted Score: Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
City have won only one of their last four meetings with United, and their current defensive issues suggest they won’t find it easy to break down United. United’s poor away record is concerning, but City’s own home struggles this season make them vulnerable.
The recent head-to-head record supports this prediction, with three of the last five meetings ending in draws or narrow victories. Expect goals at both ends but neither team able to secure all three points in what should be an entertaining Manchester derby.