As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming Manchester derby, both red and blue sides of the city are dealing with their own swirling storylines—some filled with hope, others with uncertainty. While Manchester City grapples with a fresh injury crisis ahead of their clash with Manchester United, the Red Devils are watching the future of one of their recently departed midfielders unfold with mounting intrigue. The drama, as always, is never far from Old Trafford or the Etihad.
Manchester United’s midfield maestro Christian Eriksen, who exited the club after his contract expired at the end of the 2024-2025 season, remains at the center of transfer speculation. The Danish legend, who joined United on a free transfer in 2022, had the option to extend his stay. Yet, Ruben Amorim, the head coach who orchestrated a significant overhaul of the squad this past summer, decided not to keep Eriksen in his plans. It was a decision that surprised some fans, but perhaps not those who had seen Amorim’s determination to reshape United’s core identity.
Since leaving Manchester, Eriksen’s next move has been the subject of intense speculation among supporters and pundits alike. The summer transfer window brought no new club for the veteran midfielder, despite rumors swirling about potential destinations. Championship club Wrexham, always eager for a marquee signing, reportedly offered Eriksen a contract. However, the Dane declined, suggesting he’s still searching for a challenge that matches his ambitions and pedigree.
For now, Eriksen finds himself training with Swedish side Malmo. Yet, without the rhythm of regular competitive football, his absence from Brian Riemer’s Danish squad for the September international break was notable. The midfielder’s omission raised eyebrows and added fuel to the fire of speculation about his future. Fans who had hoped to see Eriksen don the Danish colors once more were left disappointed, as the September call-up came and went without his name on the list.
Meanwhile, a fascinating subplot has emerged in Germany. Kasper Hjulmand, Eriksen’s former international manager, has just taken the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, stepping in as the Bundesliga club’s new head coach following the departure of Erik ten Hag. The move has inevitably led to whispers of a potential reunion between coach and player. Given their close relationship, many wondered if a free transfer to Leverkusen might be on the cards for Eriksen—especially as the German side could theoretically sign him at any time, given his free agent status.
But football is rarely that straightforward. According to BILD, Leverkusen’s squad is already packed for the first half of the 2025-2026 season, making an immediate signing unlikely. The club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has reportedly discussed the situation with Hjulmand, but the door remains closed for now. When pressed on the matter, Hjulmand was diplomatic, telling BILD, "I don't talk about players like that; that's something I discussed with Simon Rolfes (Bayer's sporting director). Christian is a fantastic player and an even greater personality. We have a fantastic team and great players here."
For Eriksen, the waiting game continues. As he keeps sharp with Malmo, supporters across Europe are left to wonder where the next chapter of his storied career will unfold. Will he find a new home in Germany when Leverkusen’s squad opens up, or will another club swoop in to secure his services? The intrigue is palpable, and the coming weeks could bring fresh twists to his transfer saga.
On the blue side of Manchester, the focus is squarely on the looming derby—and the mounting injury woes that threaten to derail City’s early season ambitions. The latest blow came during international duty, with Egypt forward Omar Marmoush sustaining a knee injury in a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou. Forced off in the ninth minute of a 1-1 draw, Marmoush played on briefly after suffering the knock just four minutes in, but ultimately could not continue.
Initial scans in Egypt have already dashed hopes of a quick return, with City confirming that Marmoush will not be available for Sunday’s Manchester derby. "Initial results on a scan performed in Egypt indicate he will not be available for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and he will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation. Everyone at City wishes Omar a speedy recovery," the club said in a statement.
Marmoush’s absence is a significant setback for City. He had started the club’s last two matches, a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham and a 2-1 loss away at Brighton, leaving the reigning champions with just three points from their first three games. The pressure is mounting on City’s attack, and with Rayan Cherki sidelined by a hamstring injury for at least six weeks, options are thinning fast. Phil Foden’s status remains uncertain after he missed the Brighton clash, adding another layer of anxiety for manager and fans alike.
Yet, there was at least one bright spot for City supporters during the international break: Erling Haaland’s extraordinary performance for Norway. The prolific striker netted five goals in an 11-1 demolition of Moldova on September 10, 2025, reminding everyone that when he’s on form, he can change a game in an instant. It’s the kind of firepower City will desperately need as they prepare to face their archrivals without some of their key attacking pieces.
As the derby approaches, both clubs find themselves at a crossroads. United, in the midst of a post-Amorim overhaul, are still searching for their new identity, with the Eriksen transfer saga casting a long shadow over the midfield. City, meanwhile, must patch together a forward line in the face of mounting injuries, banking on their depth and the brilliance of Haaland to carry them through a crucial early-season test.
The stakes, as always, are sky-high. Will United’s new-look squad rise to the occasion, or will City’s resilience in adversity shine through? And what of Christian Eriksen—will his next move finally come to pass, or will the waiting continue? One thing’s for certain: in Manchester, the drama never takes a day off.
As fans count down to kickoff, the city holds its breath—not just for the outcome of the derby, but for the next twist in the ever-evolving stories that make football the world’s game.
