Man Utd vs Man City: Preview, review, and what to expect

September 13, 2026 Jeremiah Oloyede 0 Comments

There are several points fans of both clubs need to take note of going into this Manchester derby, and here are some.

Michael Carrick: The United revival

Michael Carrick has brought a more direct and aggressive identity to Manchester United.

His preferred 4-2-3-1 gives Bruno Fernandes greater freedom in the No.10 position, while Kobbie Mainoo and the midfield provide the balance behind him. Carrick wants United to be comfortable without the ball, then attack quickly when possession is recovered.

Carrick understands the importance of the first goal. Everything becomes easier and everyone is calmer when you’re on the front foot. Most importantly, Man City becomes very anxious as time goes on, when they’re behind. At the same time, Man Utd will not be too desperate to score the first goal.

Manchester United has not had a good start to the season, sitting in 13th place after three games played. However, after winning two of the last three games in all competitions, Carrick’s men will want to build on it.

Bruno Fernandes has been scoring like never before, having produced four goal involvements in three games. Of course, he needs others to step up too. Man Utd fans don’t want to find themselves overdepending on the Portugal midfielder again this campaign.

Enzo Maresca: A new City blueprint

This is the first Manchester derby of the post-Pep Guardiola era, with Enzo Maresca bringing a completely different tactical idea to Manchester City.

City have started strongly under Maresca, winning their opening three Premier League games. But the most interesting aspect isn’t simply the results, it is the structure.

Maresca’s City can morph into an extremely aggressive 3-1-6 attacking shape, pushing numbers forward and using fluid movement between the midfield and attacking lines. Of course, there’s a good and bad side to everything in football. Man City’s new tactical structure could overwhelm Man Utd if done right, but at the same time, it could backfire if done carelessly.

No one is more aware than the former Chelsea coach of Man Utd’s danger on the counter, and with an expert passer of the ball in Fernandes, any possession loss in the middle third could prove decisive for the game.

Like Carrick, Maresca would be trying to get the first goal, and like Carrick, he won’t try too hard. Man City’s plan to wear down their opponents won’t change in this game.

Who are the main characters?

Bruno Fernandes

This much is obvious, as he leads the team in goal involvements, while being the league’s most skilled creator. He currently holds the record for the most assists in a league season, also sharing the record for the most big chances created in a season.

For Fernandes, a team that leaves large spaces behind the backline is the dream. If Fernandes has a good game, the Red Devils likely get the result they want.

Erling Haaland

Haaland has always loved Man United, having scored more goals against them than any other Premier League opponent. He’s likely to score simply because he’s playing against the Red Devils.

Currently joint top scorer with seven other players, he’d want to create a considerable gap to restore his reputation. Man Utd have not particularly been solid defensively, so there’s a chance Haaland to really enjoy himself.

Rayan Cherki

This list is not complete without Rayan Cherki. Cherki has been a key piece in the puzzle Maresca is creating for opponents. His vision and dribbling have always made him standout in games, but so far he has been hot in front of goal too.

He currently leads the team in goal involvements, but he’s doing do much more. He’s producing 3.3 chances per game, and has created as many big chances as games played, which is impressive. In the right circumstances, Cherki would be the perfect replacement for Kevin De Bruyne (KDB).

Conclusion

The Manchester derby is always entertaining, and this one promises to be even more so. Carrick has shown his tactical acumen since he returned as Man Utd manager last season. Maresca, for his part, is still trying to build momentum as new Man City manager. The latter has big boots to fill, but as long as he doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, he should be fine.