Neville predicts Man United to edge Man City at Old Trafford

Gary Neville has revealed his prediction for the first big derby of the Premier League season as Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford, saying he expects United to win. Neville believes the atmosphere at the historic ground could give United the edge they need to secure a second successive home victory.

Topsy‑turvy start for Carrick's side

Michael Carrick’s side have endured a topsy‑turvy start to the campaign after a surprise 2-0 defeat to Hull City on opening day. The loss left the Red Devils searching for consistency early in the Premier League. Carrick, who took charge last summer, has struggled to find a steady rhythm.

United's recent form and Neville's prediction

United bounced back with a comprehensive win over Ipswich Town, restoring confidence among the squad. However, they were held to a 2-2 draw when Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ last‑minute strike earned Everton a point at Old Trafford. Maitland’s effort highlighted the fine margins that have defined United’s early season.

A 4-0 Champions League triumph over Sabah saw United return to winning ways on the continental stage. The emphatic victory reinforced the squad’s attacking potency and gave Carrick a platform to rebuild after the Hull setback. It also demonstrated United’s ability to dominate when fully focused.

Manchester City, under Enzo Maresca, have made a superb start to life in the Premier League, winning their first three matches. Erling Haaland’s brace against Porto secured a 2-0 Champions League win, underscoring City’s firepower. Their unbeaten run places them top of the Premier League heading into the derby.

Last season, Carrick kick‑started his interim spell at United with an impressive 2-0 victory over City at a boisterous Old Trafford. That historic win remains a benchmark for the current campaign, and Neville cites it as evidence that the venue can inspire United to repeat success.

“I think United are going to win, but if you asked what the score is going to be, I would say 2-1 to United,” Neville said on The Overlap via Metro. “If I look at Sunday, it’s a new City and a few of them won’t have gone there or in this type of fixture. I always say when City go to Anfield, I think Liverpool will probably win, and I think United is a bit like that on Sunday.” He added, “City will probably be the better team for quite a large part of the game, but I just think there’ll be that ten‑minute period where it will become ferocious and it will become that quick and they’ll be like, ‘What’s going on?’” Neville’s comments back over the weekend underline his belief that a short spell of pressure at Old Trafford could decide the match.

If United secure the win, it would mark a second successive home victory and could restore momentum after early season turbulence. A positive result would also reinforce the notion that Old Trafford remains a fortress capable of unsettling even the strongest opponents.