The 197th Manchester derby arrives with an unfamiliar dynamic as struggling City host a United side surprisingly sitting above them in the Premier League table. For the first time in recent memory, it’s Pep Guardiola’s men who enter this fixture looking up at their cross-city rivals.
Manchester City’s dismal start to the 2025/26 campaign has reached historic proportions. With just three points from nine available, Guardiola is enduring his worst-ever beginning to a Premier League season. The reigning champions have suffered successive defeats for the first time since the 2004/05 season, leaving them in uncharted territory under their celebrated manager.
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The statistics paint a stark picture of City’s decline. Their three-point haul represents the lowest total of any Guardiola side at this stage, while another defeat would mark their worst start since the relegation campaign of 1995/96 – when they lost three of their opening four matches. A lengthy injury list, particularly affecting their defensive options with up to six defenders sidelined including John Stones, has compounded their problems.
Yet there are signs of encouragement at the Etihad. Before last month’s shock defeat to Tottenham, City had won five consecutive home league games, suggesting their fortress remains largely intact despite recent wobbles.
The chaos that has defined Manchester United’s last decade continues under Ruben Amorim, but somehow the Red Devils find themselves in the unusual position of superiority over their neighbors. Their dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley before the international break, secured by a stoppage-time penalty, typified both their fighting spirit and ongoing fragility.
Amorim’s record makes for concerning reading – just eight wins in 30 Premier League games since taking charge, with half of those victories coming against promoted sides. Yet United’s ability to grind out results when it matters most has kept them competitive, evidenced by their unbeaten run against City in their last four encounters across all competitions.
The Portuguese manager will be without key players Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount, but his side’s attacking intent has been clear this season. United have registered 58 shots in three games – at least 14 more than any other Premier League side – though questions remain about their clinical edge.
Recent history suggests this fixture rarely follows the script. Just six of the last 20 Premier League meetings have been won by the home side, with United proving particularly resilient at the Etihad in recent years. City have claimed five victories in the last eight league encounters, but four of Guardiola’s 16 home defeats as City boss have come against United.
The tactical battle promises intrigue as both managers seek solutions to early-season problems. City’s goals have all arrived after the 30th minute this season, suggesting they’re taking time to break down opponents, while United’s away form remains a concern with six games without victory on the road.
Bruno Fernandes looms large for United, having scored in each of their last three Premier League victories over City. The Portuguese midfielder’s creativity and leadership could prove decisive against a City side still finding their rhythm.
For the hosts, Oscar Bobb represents hope for the future, though the young Norwegian may have to be patient – all three of his senior goals have come after the hour mark. With Omar Marmoush also sidelined through injury, Guardiola’s attacking options appear limited.
This derby arrives at a crossroads for both clubs. City desperately need a statement victory to halt their alarming slide and restore confidence, while United seek to prove their early positioning reflects genuine progress rather than false dawn.
With both sides carrying significant injury concerns and struggling for consistency, Sunday’s encounter promises the unpredictability that has defined this fixture in recent years. In a season where certainties have already been shattered, the 197th Manchester derby could provide clarity for both clubs’ campaigns – or deepen the confusion surrounding two of England’s most scrutinized teams.
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