Carrick's side meets Maresca's unbeaten City at Old Trafford
The Manchester Derby returns to Old Trafford on Sunday, with Michael Carrick’s United facing Enzo Maresca’s City after Carrick out‑smarted Pep Guardiola in the January derby.
Managerial showdown at Old Trafford
Both dugouts feature new faces: Carrick, now permanent manager of United, will direct his side against Maresca, who took charge of City earlier this term. The pair previously met when Carrick’s side secured a win over Guardiola’s side in January.
United enjoyed a manager bounce after that January victory, but Carrick’s tenure is now a long‑term appointment, while Maresca has already guided City to a flawless start in the Premier League.
Form guide for both sides
City have won all three of their Premier League matches, including a 2‑0 Champions League victory over Porto on Tuesday night. Their unbeaten run gives them momentum heading into the derby.
United, meanwhile, recorded a 4‑0 win over Champions League newcomers Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, resting defenders Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire for that match.
Defensively, United have conceded two goals in each of their three opening Premier League games, a pattern that could be costly against a City side boasting Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
The Red Devils will also have to contend with City’s attacking depth, as Haaland has already scored eight career goals against United.
Regardless of the outcome, the match promises goals, with both teams showing porous defences in the early weeks of the season.
Sunday’s clash will decide which side can translate early form into derby glory, and the result will shape the early Premier League narrative.