Mixed results, underwhelming performances and new signings still looking to settle — both sides come into this Manchester derby needing a boost.
Pep Guardiola has endured his worst start to a league season (three points from three games) and Ruben Amorim’s side only just edged past Burnley last time out, having been eliminated from the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town earlier in the week. Victory could help restore much-needed confidence but defeat could crank up the pressure.
Manchester United writer Carl Anka and his Manchester City counterpart Jordan Campbell discuss the key issues for the game.
Carl Anka: This is the first Manchester derby with United above City in the league since December 2020. Guardiola has only one victory over Amorim in five attempts.
Yet Amorim will likely describe City as the favourites, casting his team as plucky counter-attacking underdogs — which is probably how he prefers things.
