Manchester United and Manchester City are set to clash in the second Manchester derby of the Premier League season on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Old Trafford. The stakes are high, with United looking to secure bragging rights after their thrilling 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium last December, where late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo turned the tide in their favor. This time, however, the Red Devils are in a challenging position, currently sitting in 13th place in the league, while City is vying for a top-four finish, currently positioned fifth.
The match kicks off at 16:30 GMT (11:30 ET / 08:30 PT) and will be officiated by referee John Brooks, with VAR managed by Paul Tierney. Fans are eager to see if United can repeat their earlier success against their local rivals, despite the match carrying less weight in terms of league standings.
In recent times, the rivalry has seen City with the upper hand, winning three of their last five encounters, while United has claimed two victories. The current form of both teams heading into this derby is mixed; United suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in their last outing, while City secured a 2-0 win against Leicester City.
For Manchester United, head coach Ruben Amorim has welcomed back key players into the matchday squad, including Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Mason Mount, who all featured in the match against Nottingham Forest. Maguire, who is likely to return to the starting lineup, could fill in for the injured Matthijs de Ligt. Other players sidelined include Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Ayden Heaven, all due to injuries. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who has been out since early February, may also make a return, providing a significant boost to the squad.
United's predicted lineup for the derby is set to feature a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Andre Onana in goal, supported by Yoro, Maguire, and Mazraoui in defense. The midfield will likely consist of Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Fernandes, and Dorgu, while Mount and Alejandro Garnacho support striker Joshua Zirkzee.
On the other side, Manchester City faces its own challenges as they continue to navigate injuries. Star striker Erling Haaland is absent due to an ankle injury, joining other key players like Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines. However, Omar Marmoush, who scored in the recent match against Leicester, will lead the line in Haaland's absence. Pep Guardiola's side is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ederson in goal, supported by Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and O'Reilly in defense. The midfield will feature Gonzalez and Kovacic, while Phil Foden, Doku, and Marmoush make up the attacking trio.
The importance of this derby is magnified by the current circumstances surrounding both clubs. For City, securing all three points is crucial in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. As Sam Lee from The Athletic pointed out, "City are trying to qualify for the Champions League through a top-five finish and every point is going to matter." Meanwhile, for United, a win would not only boost morale but also solidify Amorim's position as head coach, especially after their previous victory over City earlier in the season.
Despite the lack of trophies on the line this season, the rivalry remains fierce. Carl Anka, also from The Athletic, emphasized that local bragging rights might mean more this time around, stating, "In a season when league positions are below expectation, local bragging rights might actually mean more." This sentiment resonates deeply with both sets of fans, who understand the significance of a derby win.
As the match approaches, the tactical battle between the two managers will be closely watched. Guardiola is known for his emphasis on ball possession, which will be critical against a United side that has shown vulnerability in counter-attacks. Both teams possess forwards capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses, making the transitional moments in the game vital.
Looking ahead, predictions for the match vary. Some analysts believe that United's home advantage could play a pivotal role, while others see City as favorites due to their overall strength and experience. The predicted score is a tightly contested 1-1 draw, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding both teams' current form.
Fans can catch the action live on various platforms, including Sky Sports in the UK and fuboTV in the US. Coverage begins shortly before kick-off, ensuring that viewers won't miss a moment of this thrilling encounter.
As the teams prepare to face off, the excitement surrounding this derby is palpable. With both clubs having much to prove, the clash at Old Trafford promises to be a compelling spectacle, showcasing the intensity and passion that defines the Manchester rivalry.
