Early Team News: Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester United turn their attention back to the Premier League with an important game against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds are coming into the game on a three-game win streak, however, if they continue to play like they have in those games then they will have no chance against Pep Guardiola’s men.

It’s been a difficult start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s men, who have failed to play any real impressive football across the course of an entire game and sit eighth in the Premier League.

Andre Onana’s last-minute penalty save last time out ensured victory in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen. That win was crucial after Ten Hag’s side lost their opening two fixtures in the competition.

During the season, United have been struck with an injury crisis and the club have since launched an investigation into it.

For the upcoming derby match, UtdDistrict have assessed the latest team news updates for both United and City.

Manchester United team news

Despite some players returning to action in recent games, Ten Hag still has several first-team stars unavailable for selection for the derby clash.

Jadon Sancho remains unavailable after his bust-up with the Dutch manager. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Amad Diallo (unknown), Luke Shaw (unknown) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) remain out due to injuries, although Wan-Bissaka and Malacia have recently returned to individual training on the grass.

On the other hand, Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane have recently returned to first-team action and are both expected to start on the weekend.

Kobbie Mainoo also played his first minutes for the under-19s on Tuesday and could be in contention to be in the first-team squad this weekend.

Importantly, Casemiro is also back and available for selection after he missed the last Premier League fixture with a small injury issue. He returned to training at the start of the week but was suspended for United’s mid-week Champions League clash.

The Brazilian could come back into the XI, but even if he does not, it is expected that he will make the substitute bench.

Manchester City team news

For the visitors, they will be missing key defender Manuel Akanji for this clash after he received a red card in their last league outing.

Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez were on the bench for City’s midweek clash, although the latter did come on in the second half. “Phil had a little problem,” commented Guardiola. “Julian could not play 90 minutes.”

Ultimately, the only guaranteed absence through injury is Kevin de Bruyne, who is out of action with a thigh problem.