Derby day arrives with City in rhythm and United searching for consistency
Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for their first major test of the 2026-27 Premier League season. Enzo Maresca's side have won all three of their league fixtures so far, while Manchester United have won, drawn and lost once each in their opening three matches.
Haaland finds his groove
Erling Haaland has shaken off a rusty start to the campaign, scoring five goals in his last three games in all competitions. That run includes the winner in City's 1-0 defeat of Coventry City and a match-winning brace in Porto on Wednesday. The Norwegian looks back to his sharpest just in time for a trip to Old Trafford.
O'Reilly poised for return
Nico O'Reilly is set to return after missing City's last two games with a back issue sustained during a warmup session before the Coventry match. The 21-year-old defender's availability gives Maresca another option, though the manager will be cautious about throwing him straight into a derby. Josko Gvardiol has filled the void effectively in his absence.
United's defensive frailties
Manchester United have conceded twice in each of their first three top-flight matches, an unwanted record not seen since the 2020-21 campaign. That defensive fragility will be tested by a City side that has clicked into gear under Maresca. Both teams won their respective Champions League games in midweek, so confidence should be high on both sides of the city.
City have two more games before the season's first international break later this month. But first, all eyes are on the derby.