By rikififi90 
The Manchester derby, set for this Sunday at 12:30 pm (Brasília time), is poised to be a defining moment in the 2024/25 Premier League season for both Manchester United and Manchester City. Taking place at the historic Old Trafford stadium, this 31st-round showdown pits two struggling giants against each other at a critical juncture. United, languishing in 13th place with 37 points, have all but lost their shot at European competition, while City, fifth with 51 points, are fighting to secure a Champions League spot—a modest goal for the reigning four-time English champions. The match, available for live tracking from 12:30 pm, gains extra emotional weight as it marks Kevin De Bruyne’s final derby before leaving City at season’s end after a decade of triumphs.
On the pitch, both teams face glaring challenges. Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, are desperate to snap a three-game goalless streak, having lost 13 matches this season—just one shy of their worst-ever Premier League campaign from last year. Their defense, leaking goals in eight straight home games at Old Trafford, will be tested by a City side that, despite inconsistency, has notched 57 goals this season compared to United’s 37. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City arrive buoyed by a 2-0 win over Leicester City but without stars Erling Haaland and Rodri, sidelined by injuries. Even so, City boast a strong record at Old Trafford, with nine Premier League wins there—more than any other visiting team.
For City fans, the game carries a bittersweet note. Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfielder who confirmed his departure this week, will lace up for his 21st Manchester derby. With nine wins, four draws, and seven losses in previous clashes against United, he’s contributed three goals and six assists. This Sunday offers a chance to break a three-game winless run against the Red Devils, a fitting farewell for a player who’s defined City’s golden era.
Build-up to the derby: key stats behind the clash
Both clubs approach the game with contrasting form. Manchester United’s midweek 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest exposed their attacking woes, with the team failing to score in 10 of their 30 Premier League matches this season. Ruben Amorim has his work cut out, especially with a defense that’s struggled to keep clean sheets at home. Across town, City’s recent victories—2-0 against Leicester and a narrow win over Bournemouth—hint at resilience, even without Haaland. New signing Omar Marmoush, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, has stepped up, scoring in both games to ease the blow of losing their star striker.
Recent history adds intrigue. United have gone unbeaten in their last three meetings with City, including a dramatic 2-1 comeback at the Etihad in December, sealed by late strikes. That run matches their best streak against City since 2010-11, when they avoided defeat in four straight games. City, however, have a knack for April success, winning all 14 of their last Premier League matches in the month—a stat that could tilt the scales in this late-season push.
The all-time rivalry stands at 195 official matches, with United holding an edge: 80 wins to City’s 61, plus 54 draws. In the Premier League era, though, City have dominated at Old Trafford, securing nine victories, five under Guardiola’s watch—more than any other manager has managed as a visitor there.
Where to watch and what’s at stake
Fans can catch the action live on Disney+ streaming, with real-time updates starting at 12:30 pm (Brasília time). Analysts give City a slight edge, with supercomputer predictions favoring them in 43.8% of simulations, but United’s home crowd could level the playing field. A win for United would mark their first league double over City since 2019/20, while City aim to keep their European hopes alive.
Likely lineups reflect tactical tweaks. United are expected to field Onana in goal, with Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, and Dalot in defense, Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, and Mount, Garnacho, and Hojlund up top. City’s probable XI includes Ederson between the posts, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly at the back, Gundogan and González in the middle, and Savinho, Grealish, Doku, and Marmoush leading the attack.
Tactical battles: Amorim vs Guardiola
Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break moment at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager has already beaten Guardiola twice this season—once with Sporting in the Champions League and once in the Premier League’s first round—but United’s blunt attack demands urgent fixes. Kobbie Mainoo’s potential return after a two-month injury layoff offers hope, though Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness remains uncertain. Long-term absences like Lisandro Martinez, out for the season, and Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans compound United’s defensive woes.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, navigates his own hurdles. Haaland’s injury shifts the burden to Marmoush, who’s scored twice in limited action, while De Bruyne’s exit looms large. The Belgian, with 413 appearances and 281 wins for City, has been pivotal, and his final derby carries symbolic weight. Guardiola’s possession-based system will rely on Gundogan’s experience and the pace of Doku and Grealish to exploit United’s shaky backline.
Amorim’s game plan hinges on quick transitions and Hojlund’s physicality, while Guardiola will push for control and width. The clash of styles—United’s grit against City’s finesse—promises a compelling duel.
Memorable moments in recent derbies
The Manchester derby has delivered unforgettable drama. Over the last 18 Premier League meetings, the away side has won 10 times, underlining the fixture’s unpredictability. Only Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (12) has seen more away wins since 2015/16. United’s recent edge includes that 2-1 triumph at the Etihad, with Amad Diallo’s late heroics, while City’s last trip to Old Trafford ended in defeat.
Guardiola has overseen five of City’s nine Premier League wins at United’s home ground, a record for visiting managers. De Bruyne, across his 20 derbies, has left his mark with nine direct goal involvements, though he’s yet to win in his last three attempts against United.
United’s struggles this season paint a stark contrast to their past. With 37 points from 30 games, they’re closer to the relegation zone (8 points above) than the top four (14 points below). Historically, Sir Alex Ferguson lost 14.1% of his 810 Premier League games (114 defeats), while his 10 successors have matched that total in just 448 matches—a 25.4% loss rate.
Factors that could swing the game
Several elements could tip the balance. United’s ability to end their scoring drought will be key against a City attack that remains potent despite Haaland’s absence. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s heartbeat, must inspire a side low on confidence. For City, De Bruyne’s vision and Doku’s dynamism could punish United’s fragile defense.
Old Trafford’s atmosphere will play a role. United fans, though frustrated, have rallied behind the team in big games, and their noise could unsettle City. Conversely, City’s April winning streak—14 straight in the Premier League—suggests they thrive under spring pressure.
Fatigue might also factor in. United’s midweek loss left them with less recovery time than City, who played Thursday. Subplots like De Ligt’s condition or Marmoush’s adjustment to Guardiola’s tactics could prove decisive.
Derby trivia worth knowing
The United-City rivalry is steeped in fascinating stats:
- United have won 33 of the last 67 meetings, with City claiming 25 and 9 ending level.
- Goals across all competitions are nearly even: 99 for United, 98 for City.
- De Bruyne has 12 goal involvements against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, but 9 vs United.
- City’s 14-game April win streak in the Premier League is unmatched.
- United have conceded in their last eight home games, their worst run since 2021.
These nuggets highlight the fixture’s competitiveness and unpredictability.
How the result impacts standings and goals
A United win could spark a late surge, though their European hopes are faint. With 37 points, they’re nearer the drop zone than the top four, making this more about pride than position. For City, three points are vital to close the gap on fourth place, keeping their Champions League dreams alive.
De Bruyne’s swan song adds emotional stakes. He’s chasing a win in his final derby, having drawn a blank in his last three against United. His City legacy—six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and more—is already secure, but a victory would cap it perfectly.
Spotlight on the managers at Old Trafford
Pressure mounts on both benches. Amorim’s job security hinges on results, and a loss to City could fuel calls for change. His prior wins over Guardiola show promise, but United’s woes demand consistency. Guardiola, in an unfamiliar fifth-place spot, faces questions about City’s direction post-De Bruyne. Another derby defeat would sting after the first-round loss.
Their tactical chess match will be gripping. Amorim leans on speed and resilience; Guardiola on possession and precision. The winner may well be the one who adapts best.
Fan mood and Manchester’s vibe
Manchester buzzes with tension and nostalgia. United supporters crave a morale boost in a bleak season, while City fans bid farewell to a legend. Old Trafford will be electric, the rivalry amplified by the stakes and storylines.
Chants will echo past glories and present frustrations. United cling to history; City to recent dominance. Win or lose, this derby will linger as De Bruyne’s last and a crossroads for both clubs.
The Manchester derby, set for this Sunday at 12:30 pm (Brasília time), is poised to be a defining moment in the 2024/25 Premier League season for both Manchester United and Manchester City. Taking place at the historic Old Trafford stadium, this 31st-round showdown pits two struggling giants against each other at a critical juncture. United, languishing in 13th place with 37 points, have all but lost their shot at European competition, while City, fifth with 51 points, are fighting to secure a Champions League spot—a modest goal for the reigning four-time English champions. The match, available for live tracking from 12:30 pm, gains extra emotional weight as it marks Kevin De Bruyne’s final derby before leaving City at season’s end after a decade of triumphs.
On the pitch, both teams face glaring challenges. Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, are desperate to snap a three-game goalless streak, having lost 13 matches this season—just one shy of their worst-ever Premier League campaign from last year. Their defense, leaking goals in eight straight home games at Old Trafford, will be tested by a City side that, despite inconsistency, has notched 57 goals this season compared to United’s 37. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City arrive buoyed by a 2-0 win over Leicester City but without stars Erling Haaland and Rodri, sidelined by injuries. Even so, City boast a strong record at Old Trafford, with nine Premier League wins there—more than any other visiting team.
For City fans, the game carries a bittersweet note. Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfielder who confirmed his departure this week, will lace up for his 21st Manchester derby. With nine wins, four draws, and seven losses in previous clashes against United, he’s contributed three goals and six assists. This Sunday offers a chance to break a three-game winless run against the Red Devils, a fitting farewell for a player who’s defined City’s golden era.
Build-up to the derby: key stats behind the clash
Both clubs approach the game with contrasting form. Manchester United’s midweek 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest exposed their attacking woes, with the team failing to score in 10 of their 30 Premier League matches this season. Ruben Amorim has his work cut out, especially with a defense that’s struggled to keep clean sheets at home. Across town, City’s recent victories—2-0 against Leicester and a narrow win over Bournemouth—hint at resilience, even without Haaland. New signing Omar Marmoush, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, has stepped up, scoring in both games to ease the blow of losing their star striker.
Recent history adds intrigue. United have gone unbeaten in their last three meetings with City, including a dramatic 2-1 comeback at the Etihad in December, sealed by late strikes. That run matches their best streak against City since 2010-11, when they avoided defeat in four straight games. City, however, have a knack for April success, winning all 14 of their last Premier League matches in the month—a stat that could tilt the scales in this late-season push.
The all-time rivalry stands at 195 official matches, with United holding an edge: 80 wins to City’s 61, plus 54 draws. In the Premier League era, though, City have dominated at Old Trafford, securing nine victories, five under Guardiola’s watch—more than any other manager has managed as a visitor there.
Where to watch and what’s at stake
Fans can catch the action live on Disney+ streaming, with real-time updates starting at 12:30 pm (Brasília time). Analysts give City a slight edge, with supercomputer predictions favoring them in 43.8% of simulations, but United’s home crowd could level the playing field. A win for United would mark their first league double over City since 2019/20, while City aim to keep their European hopes alive.
Likely lineups reflect tactical tweaks. United are expected to field Onana in goal, with Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, and Dalot in defense, Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, and Mount, Garnacho, and Hojlund up top. City’s probable XI includes Ederson between the posts, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly at the back, Gundogan and González in the middle, and Savinho, Grealish, Doku, and Marmoush leading the attack.
Tactical battles: Amorim vs Guardiola
Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break moment at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager has already beaten Guardiola twice this season—once with Sporting in the Champions League and once in the Premier League’s first round—but United’s blunt attack demands urgent fixes. Kobbie Mainoo’s potential return after a two-month injury layoff offers hope, though Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness remains uncertain. Long-term absences like Lisandro Martinez, out for the season, and Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans compound United’s defensive woes.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, navigates his own hurdles. Haaland’s injury shifts the burden to Marmoush, who’s scored twice in limited action, while De Bruyne’s exit looms large. The Belgian, with 413 appearances and 281 wins for City, has been pivotal, and his final derby carries symbolic weight. Guardiola’s possession-based system will rely on Gundogan’s experience and the pace of Doku and Grealish to exploit United’s shaky backline.
Amorim’s game plan hinges on quick transitions and Hojlund’s physicality, while Guardiola will push for control and width. The clash of styles—United’s grit against City’s finesse—promises a compelling duel.
Memorable moments in recent derbies
The Manchester derby has delivered unforgettable drama. Over the last 18 Premier League meetings, the away side has won 10 times, underlining the fixture’s unpredictability. Only Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (12) has seen more away wins since 2015/16. United’s recent edge includes that 2-1 triumph at the Etihad, with Amad Diallo’s late heroics, while City’s last trip to Old Trafford ended in defeat.
Guardiola has overseen five of City’s nine Premier League wins at United’s home ground, a record for visiting managers. De Bruyne, across his 20 derbies, has left his mark with nine direct goal involvements, though he’s yet to win in his last three attempts against United.
United’s struggles this season paint a stark contrast to their past. With 37 points from 30 games, they’re closer to the relegation zone (8 points above) than the top four (14 points below). Historically, Sir Alex Ferguson lost 14.1% of his 810 Premier League games (114 defeats), while his 10 successors have matched that total in just 448 matches—a 25.4% loss rate.
Factors that could swing the game
Several elements could tip the balance. United’s ability to end their scoring drought will be key against a City attack that remains potent despite Haaland’s absence. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s heartbeat, must inspire a side low on confidence. For City, De Bruyne’s vision and Doku’s dynamism could punish United’s fragile defense.
Old Trafford’s atmosphere will play a role. United fans, though frustrated, have rallied behind the team in big games, and their noise could unsettle City. Conversely, City’s April winning streak—14 straight in the Premier League—suggests they thrive under spring pressure.
Fatigue might also factor in. United’s midweek loss left them with less recovery time than City, who played Thursday. Subplots like De Ligt’s condition or Marmoush’s adjustment to Guardiola’s tactics could prove decisive.
Derby trivia worth knowing
The United-City rivalry is steeped in fascinating stats:
- United have won 33 of the last 67 meetings, with City claiming 25 and 9 ending level.
- Goals across all competitions are nearly even: 99 for United, 98 for City.
- De Bruyne has 12 goal involvements against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, but 9 vs United.
- City’s 14-game April win streak in the Premier League is unmatched.
- United have conceded in their last eight home games, their worst run since 2021.
These nuggets highlight the fixture’s competitiveness and unpredictability.
How the result impacts standings and goals
A United win could spark a late surge, though their European hopes are faint. With 37 points, they’re nearer the drop zone than the top four, making this more about pride than position. For City, three points are vital to close the gap on fourth place, keeping their Champions League dreams alive.
De Bruyne’s swan song adds emotional stakes. He’s chasing a win in his final derby, having drawn a blank in his last three against United. His City legacy—six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and more—is already secure, but a victory would cap it perfectly.
Spotlight on the managers at Old Trafford
Pressure mounts on both benches. Amorim’s job security hinges on results, and a loss to City could fuel calls for change. His prior wins over Guardiola show promise, but United’s woes demand consistency. Guardiola, in an unfamiliar fifth-place spot, faces questions about City’s direction post-De Bruyne. Another derby defeat would sting after the first-round loss.
Their tactical chess match will be gripping. Amorim leans on speed and resilience; Guardiola on possession and precision. The winner may well be the one who adapts best.
Fan mood and Manchester’s vibe
Manchester buzzes with tension and nostalgia. United supporters crave a morale boost in a bleak season, while City fans bid farewell to a legend. Old Trafford will be electric, the rivalry amplified by the stakes and storylines.
Chants will echo past glories and present frustrations. United cling to history; City to recent dominance. Win or lose, this derby will linger as De Bruyne’s last and a crossroads for both clubs.
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