Man United vs Man City: Match preview, what to expect, key players

Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford in Sunday’s final league fixture.

While United have little left to play for in the league, City are still chasing a top-four finish.

United won the reverse fixture but have not completed a league double over their city rivals since the 2008/2009 season.

Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement that he will leave Man City at the end of the season adds an extra layer of curiosity to the match.

Match preview

United have won two of their last three encounters against City in all competitions, following three straight defeats.

Despite their recent successes against the defending champions, the Red Devils still enter this fixture as the underdogs.

Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that talented midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training and will be assessed ahead of the game, along with centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

City will be without star striker Erling Haaland, who joins John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Rodri on the injury list.

What to expect

While City have struggled to maintain their dominance in the league table, they remain the league’s best possession-based side.

The Cityzens are expected to dominate possession, with United likely to defend deep and in numbers, as they’ve often done against Pep Guardiola’s team.

United will exploit City’s high defensive line through quick counter-attacks, just as they did in the reverse fixture.

Key players

Man United

Bruno Fernandes: He was the league’s best player. He has seven goal involvements in his last five league appearances.

Harry Maguire: Maguire is expected to return to the starting line-up. Amorim will rely on him to lead the defence and be solid.

Man City

Omar Marmoush: In Haaland’s absence, the Egyptian forward becomes City’s main attacking threat. His pace and movement will be key.

Savinho: The Brazilian winger has had a standout debut season. He leads in assists, has created the joint-most big chances, and ranks third for goal involvements in City’s squad.

Stats from transfermarkt.com, 11v11.com & sofascore.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .