Erling Haaland was once again the star of the show as Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-0 in the first Manchester derby of the season today.
The Norwegian striker grabbed a brace in a man of the match performance to get City back to winning ways in the Premier League, with the Cityzens also piling more pressure on United boss Ruben Amorim.
The visitors had started well at the Etihad but found themselves behind on 18 minutes after Jeremy Doku’s cross found the on-rushing Phil Foden in the box, and the homegrown talent directed a header into the far corner.
And despite starting the second half well too, Haaland pounced on some poor defending to double the City lead before ending the game as a contest within 70 minutes as he raced clear to slide a finish past Altay Bayindir.
The win gives City a boost and takes them to eighth, while United will face plenty more questions after another poor start to the season.
Follow all the reaction from the Etihad below:
Man City v Man Utd LIVE: Latest score and updates
- Man City beat Man Utd in early season Manchester derby after Haaland brace
- Pressure remains on United and Ruben Amorim after disastrous cup defeat
- 68' GOAL! Haaland lands a brace after United's defensive disaster [MCI 3-0 MUN]
- 75' CLOSE! Reijnders chips narrowly wide when clean through [MCI 3-0 MUN]
- 55' CLOSE! Haaland hits the inside of the post from close range [MCI 3-0 MUN]
- 53' GOAL! Haaland doubles the lead with deft finish [MCI 2-0 MUN]
- 18' GOAL! Cushioned Foden header gives City early lead [MCI 1-0 MUN]
Manchester City FC 3 - 0 Manchester United FC
‘You’d need Keane and Gerrard’: Pundits question Man United system after heavy derby loss
20:20 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim’s tactical set-up has come under fire in the wake of Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, with Gary Nevilleclaiming he’d need “Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard” in order to cover the gaps left in midfield.
United slumped to a dismal defeat as Erling Haaland scored a brace to inflict yet another defeat on Amorim, with the Portuguese now having won just eight of his 31 league matches in charge at Old Trafford.
Gaps in United’s midfield were clear throughout the match as the duo of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte were overrun by Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri, and it eventually told as United failed to land a blow on their cross-city rivals.
‘You’d need Keane and Gerrard’: Pundits question Man Utd’s system after derby loss
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden help Man City toast Ricky Hatton with derby win
20:10 , Chris WilsonPhil Foden’s header and a brilliant Erling Haaland brace secured Manchester City a 3-0 derby victory against Manchester United on a day when the rivals remembered the late, great Ricky Hatton.
The city, and wider sporting world, was rocked by the death of the popular boxer on Sunday, with both sets of fans applauding during a touching pre-match tribute to the lifelong City fan.
Foden spoke of the players’ determination to do fellow Stockport-born star Hatton proud and helped them do just that at the Etihad Stadium, marking his first start of the season with a superb header from Jeremy Doku’s cross.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden help Man City toast Ricky Hatton with derby win
United 'have to start winning quickly'
20:00 , Chris WilsonOn Sky, Neville says that Amorim needs a quick turnaround.
“When Ruben Amorim first came I was heartened by them playing three at the back but every single game he changes the back three, which tells me he is not sure which back three he should play. And he changes the back five.
“There were a lot of individual errors out there today. Luke Shaw had one of the worst games I have seen him have. All three goals he could have done better.
“It was a nothing from United. They are 14th in the league only four games in and we all said that they can't be getting to October where they are 14th or 15th in the league or the manager will be in trouble. There are a few games to go but they have to start winning quickly,” he adds.
Stats look bad for Amorim
19:53 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim’s Premier League win rate stands at 26 per cent, with eight wins from 31 Premier League matches. He has only won four of 26 Premier League games against non-promoted teams.
United have failed to score in 13 of their 31 league games, finding the net just 36 times.
United have conceded 1.6 goals per game under Amorim and kept just five clean sheets.
With just four points from four games (W1 D1 L2), this is Manchester United’s poorest start to a league season since 1992/93.
More from Amorim
19:40 , Chris WilsonSpeaking directly to Sky, Amorim says that United “had a big team in the certain moments”.
“If you look at the three goals, we can avoid the three goals. We can be more aggressive.
"In these kind of games, with top teams the small margins will make the difference. The performance is not good, in certain moments they were better than us and in the end you don't have a good feeling,” he adds.
On where he feels United are at, he says: "We play against one coach that won seven Premier League titles and we are building things, trying to fight against these teams. I am not going to defend myself, it's always the same question, trying to protect myself. We need to do better.
"If I look to the game, last year we draw and won against City and today we were a little bit better but in the small details it was clearly not goof enough. We are building things but of course we need to win.
"I'm not happy. I didn't see one player in my team not giving the maximum. The rest is with me. The disappointment sometimes I feel we could run more, but I didn't have that feeling today. It's my fault, not their fault and I am fine with that.
"I know it's hard on our fans but again, I cannot point to one player [about lack of] effort. With game intelligence we can improve but that is my fault and we can improve,” he adds.
Richards criticises system
19:35 , Chris Wilson“The system is not helping the United players at all. At all,” says Micah Richards on Sky.
“All the defenders are going for the same ball for the second goal. It was three versus two and Haaland still ends up winning the ball and scoring.
“The lack of communication... if you are playing you have to be talking. It is a hard system to play,” he adds.
Amorim's record
19:30 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim now has the unenviable record of having the worst win percentage of any Man Utd boss since the Second World War, according to Sky.
The Portuguese has just eight wins from his 31 Premier League games – since he took over, the ‘table’ from this period has United bottom on 31 points from 31 games.
Among managers to take charge of 20+ top-flight games with United, only Alfred Albut (20 per cent) and Scott Duncan (24 per cent) have a lower win ratio at this level in the league than Amorim’s 26 per cent.
Amorim reacts
19:25 , Chris Wilson"We could be more aggressive. The goals are avoidable. We suffer, we left two players 2v1. Haaland has all the space, confusion with our players,” says Amorim as he reflects on City’s opener to begin with.
"In these moments, if you look at the goals, there is moments we can avoid. City took it. Transitions, those moments, they were better than us.
On winning just one of his 31 Premier League matches, he adds: “I accept, it is not a record you should have at Manchester United. There are a lot of things you have no idea what has happened.
"But I am not going to change my philosophy. I play my way and I am going to play my way."
"I understand everything. It is normal. The result, I accept that. I don't see it that way, we are doing better than the results. The record says everything.
"My message to fans: I will do everything. Always thinking about what is best for the club.
"Until I'm here, I'll do my best. The rest is not my decision. I'm suffering more [than the fans],” he says later on.
Donnarumma impresses on debut
19:20 , Chris WilsonA word on Donnarumma, who was impressive today despite not having an awful lot to do.
The Italian was a commanding presence in the box, dealing with plenty of crosses, before a brilliant save from Mbeumo when called upon.
He’ll have tougher tests, but it was a good start to his City career!
Guardiola calls Foden "incredible"
19:15 , Chris WilsonGuardiola is speaking to the BBC as he reacts.
"We are in a situation with a start we didn't expect and of course our opponents are so strong,” he says as he begins.
“We want to be close and still fighting for titles. The spirit was great, our players have a lot of pride and they want to try to do better on a special day. We saw our fans so happy and that is our job, so, so privileged.
"We have many things to improve. We are not yet a team but step by step. The victory helps us a lot. In the games we have had a lot of momentum and others not enough.
"They [Manchester United] have fantastic players and I know here we struggle against them, we have more better results at Old Trafford."
On Phil Foden: "He played incredible. He is a guy who loves to arrive at the box. Our last Premier League title he was the best player in the Premier League. We need him so much.
"The players have a lot of pride. Erling's commitment this season is unbelievable. Two games, seven goals is not bad."
Fernandes reacts
19:10 , Chris Wilson"No it's not hard [to find positives],” says Fernandes as he reacts on Sky.
“You have to look at what we did well and it's not enough because you want to win football games. What we did today was not enough to get a result and that's what we'll take from this game. Obviously look at what we have to do better and look to the next game.
"We need to score goals and not concede. We keep creating chances but were not able to score as much as we wanted. We have to be more in control. We concede three goals we could have avoided.
"When we go we have to take more risks and be more brave with the last line. When we pass to our centre-backs they go three against three and squeeze so much. The space is very narrow."
On whether it feels like United are heading in the right decision, he says: "The result is very bad, very bad on us but I think it's two ways of looking at this game. The goals could have been avoided. On the ball we were very positive, very brave, we were playing the ball forward. When we created chances we could have been more clean.
"We wanted what City got and that's the three points. City were smart to get the goals in the way they did, they have a very good team and good players,” he adds as he finishes.
Man Utd have worst start to a league season since 1992
19:02 , Chris WilsonWith just four points from their opening four games, Man Utd have officially made their poorest start to a league season since 1992/93. Add to that the loss against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, and things are looking bleak at Old Trafford.
4 - With just four points from four games (W1 D1 L2), this is Manchester United’s poorest start to a league season since 1992-93, when they also had four points from their opening four matches under Alex Ferguson. Misery. pic.twitter.com/zW5QH4u2jy
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2025
Haaland: 'We needed this"
18:57 , Chris Wilson"You could feel it as well from the fans, we needed this,” says Erling Haaland as he speaks to Sky.
“You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today. I'm so relieved, so happy we managed to do it altogether. We have to keep going. Today we're super happy."
On Phil Foden, he adds: "This is the Phil we need. City were waiting for this and we are going to help him as much as we can to make him as good as he was the season before last."
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:52 , Chris WilsonAnother dark day for United and Ruben Amorim, with the players looking dejected as they made their way over to the away fans.
Foden: ' I had extra motivation'
18:47 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to Sky, Phil Foden says he “100 per cent had extra motivation going into the game” after the news regarding Ricky Hatton.
“It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn't a pretty match but it was all for him,” he says.
"There has been a lot of talk. It's impossible [not to hear outside talk]. Everything has been quite negative but that's the world that we live in when you are playing at the highest level.
"When you come off winning the player of the season award the standards are higher and I understand that. It's about reading those comments, reacting as well as possible and getting back to my level."
On Erling Haaland’s display, he adds: “A complete performance, the way he held up the ball when we were struggling.
“He did everything. Defending, attacking, running in behind and doing the dirty work. It was a full shift and we need that more.” he adds as he finishes.
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:39 , Chris WilsonHaaland in fine form
Erling Haaland has now scored 11 goals in six appearances for club and country - including seven in his previous two games.
His only blank so far was against Spurs on 23 August!
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:37 , Chris WilsonThat result means City move up to eighth place, with six points from their opening four games.
United slip down into 14th, with four points to start the season.
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:34 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:26 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadA brief summary from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“That was rather emphatic in the end. United had no answer to Erling Haaland, though Foden and Doku also played sizeable parts.
“Guardiola's decision to give Donnarumma his debut was certainly justified.
“United were cut open too easily and some of their players - Luke Shaw, in particular - had traumatic afternoons.
“Theirs has been a poor start to the season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe was here to witness this.”
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:26 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and City are back to winning ways in the Premier League! Could this match mark their resurgence this season?
A poor day for United, and there will be more questions over Amorim’s future tonight.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:25 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Half chances for both sides as the clock runs down, with Oscar Bobb seeing a shot deflected wide.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:21 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Plenty of away fans have left already as the fourth official puts up the board for four minutes of added time.
The flag has just gone up for offside against Mainoo.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:18 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Gary Neville says he thinks “some pressure will be applied to the manager” after this result.
It is probably time for that, as “sacked in the morning" chants ring around the Etihad.
City make changes as Haaland and Silva come off for Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:17 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Another half-chance for United as the ball is headed out to Dorgu in the box, but the Dane rifles well over.
Another problem for United is that so many of their chances – and a lot of attacking play – falls to their young wing-back.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:16 , Chris Wilson84 mins
CLOSE! This really sums up United’s day.
Amad picks the ball up and drives into the box, making the space for a cutback that is rifled at Mbeumo – who misses from about three yards.
Turns out it took a deflection off Donnarumma, so Unite have a corner.
But the set-piece comes to nothing as Fernandes fires it in and now Casemiro misses from point-blank range!
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:13 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Another united attack ends, though this time it’s Mbeumo who curls a decent effort wide of the far post. Too little too late for the visitors anyway.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:11 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Changes for United now as Sesko and Ugarte come off for Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:10 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Lovely play from Mainoo to skip past a challenge in midfield before laying it off to Dorgu. The cross is poor though, and Donnarumma collects.
A note on the Italian too, who has had a commanding – and overall very encouraging – debut today.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:09 , Chris Wilson77 mins
City make two subs as Savinho and Nico Gonzalez replace Doku and Rodri.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:06 , Chris Wilson75 mins
CLOSE! How is it not four?
So easy for City, as Haaland picks the ball up in his half and sees the space open up.
Reijnders is making the overlapping run from midfield and all Haaland has to do is slip in a simple pass to put the Dutchman 1-v-1 with Bayindir, though the former AC Milan man can only chip an effort wide.
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:05 , Chris WilsonAnother update from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Haaland is up to eight goals in Manchester derbies - as many as Eric Cantona, one short of Bobby Charlton.”
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:03 , Chris Wilson70 mins
The Etihad is bouncing as United look out of ideas. Ugarte rifles an effort well wide from just outside the area.
GOAL! Man City 3-0 Man Utd
18:00 , Chris Wilson68 mins
GOAL! A third for City and that is definitely that.
It’s a mess from the visitors, who lose the ball near halfway after a poor pass.
Haaland is clean through from within his own half and simply races onto the ball before sliding a low finish past Bayindir.
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:59 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“There have been a couple of illustrations of why Guardiola put Donnarumma straight into the side.
“That superb save from Mbeumo was the best. Perhaps James Trafford would have saved it. The man who may be the best in the world did.”
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:58 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Mbeumo thinks he has the better of O’Reilly as he bursts into the box but the City defender has done enough to put him off.
City happy to let United have the ball in attacking areas over the last few minutes – almost as if they know the visitors struggle to create against settled defences.
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:55 , Chris Wilson64 mins
A chance for City now as Dias wins the ball well on halfway to create the counter. It’s spread wide to Silva and his cross is met on the volley by Haaland, but it’s straight at Bayindir.
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:53 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Subs for United as Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire come on for Mazraoui and Yoro.
United’s corner is headed towards his own net by O’Reilly but there’s no United player there to capitalise.
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:52 , Chris Wilson60 mins
SAVE!
United come forward but in truth it has the feel of a game that is already over by the hour mark.
Nevertheless, there’s a brilliant save from Donnarumma as Dorgu’s looped cross is volleyed by Mbeumo.
It’s travelling right into the far corner but the Italian gets across to tip it wide on the stretch.
Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:47 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CLOSE! How is it not three?
So close for City, as United try to play out the back and it comes straight to Doku. He plays it forward to Haaland, who is suddenly clean through, and though his first effort is saved, it rebounds back to him.
He looks certain to tap into the empty net from a few yards but it comes back off the inside of the post and is cleared!
'A sadly familiar tale for United'
17:45 , Chris WilsonReaction from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Foden got his seventh Manchester derby earlier. Now Haaland has done likewise. This is a sadly familiar tale for United.”
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Man Utd
17:44 , Chris Wilson53 mins
GOAL! City have a second and that could well be that!
It’s simple from the hosts too, as O’Reilly gets past the challenge before Foden ships it to Doku.
Yoro is too tight to the Belgian and he slips it into the path of Haaland, who simply lifts the finish past the onrushing Bayindir.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:41 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Fernandes finds Dorgu in the box but he’s unable to get past Rodri.
United come again but Fernandes plays the pass straight out of play, with City looking happy to sit back at the moment.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:40 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Another United attack comes to nothing as Mazraoui is unable to get to Mbeumo’s through ball.
A more encouraging start to the half for United but they’re still lacking that final bit of quality.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:38 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Half a chance early on for United as it’s squared to Amad, who finds Dorgu on the wing before the wing-back sees his cross turned behind.
Haaland heads clear from the set-piece and is there for the follow-up crosses too.
KICK-OFF! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:36 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway at the Etihad!
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:33 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are coming back out at the Etihad, so the second half will get started soon.
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:28 , Chris WilsonAn interesting half for the neutral and even in parts, though the hosts look far more dangerous in attack.
The problems in Amorim’s formation remain clear as United repeatedly find themselves overrun in midfield, with Reijnders and Foden picking up great positions.
Jeremy Doku has been good too, not only in the lead-up to the goal but also in causing plenty of problems from the wing. He’s unlucky not to find himself on two assists already.
United know there will be openings but so far they haven’t had the quality to exploit them, and they’ll be in trouble if they don’t start the second half quickly.
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:25 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:21 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe thoughts of Richard Jolly from the Etihad:
“A decent first half for City, though they may think they could have created more chances after Foden scored.
“United can recall that they were 1-0 down in this fixture last season, and looked rather worse, but nonetheless went on to win.”
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:18 , Chris WilsonThe free-kick is headed away easily and the first half comes to an end.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:18 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time, so this free-kick from Mbeumo could be the last kick of the half.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:17 , Chris Wilson44 mins
City on the attack now though they’re happy to recycle possession as they look to see out the first half.
United win the ball and the diagonal comes out to Dorgu, who wins a corner off Khusanov.
After some words from the ref toKhusanov and De Ligt, Fernandes delivers the set-piece but Donnarumma punches away well, though Dorgu does well to win a cheap free-kick off Gvardiol on the right wing.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:14 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Foden narrowly misses out on playing Doku into the space on the wing behind the United defence, but that remains an option for City.
United come again and Mbeumo picks up Amad in behind before United recycle possession and end up fouling Doku in the City box.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:11 , Chris Wilson39 mins
City continue to exploit the space in United’s midfield well, with Reijnders also picking up good positions in the pockets.
The latest occasion ends with the Dutchman trying to pick out Haaland but O’Reilly intercepts before rifling over.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:10 , Chris Wilson37 mins
City are just trying to manage the game at the moment and make sure they prevent any openings for the visitors.
They’ve defended well on the whole so far despite some chances for United, while Doku, Haaland and co. have looked very dangerous in attack.
‘Ugarte has actually started rather well’
17:07 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Manuel Ugarte has actually started rather well, both as a tackler and, more surprsingly, as a a passer.
“And yet, even with him doing better than might be expected, United can still be outnumbered at times in midfield. It is a problem with Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.”
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:06 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Fernandes fires the free-kick straight at Donnarumma.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:05 , Chris Wilson33 mins
United get forward - help by some good hold-up play from Sesko – but Dorgu can’t head Mbeumo’s cross goalwards.
The visitors recycle possession and Mazraoui clips a ball in behind for Sesko, who brings it down before being closed down well by Donnarumma.
The Slovenian is penalised for handball anyway, but encouraging ‘keeping from Donnarumma there.
Moments later, Khusanov flies into the back of Dorgu to give away another free-kick in a dangerous area on the wing.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:03 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Another frenetic passage of play as neither side is able to hold onto the ball before eventually Khusanov wins a throw off Amad.
A little lull in attacking activity at the moment.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
17:01 , Chris Wilson29 mins
A bit of promise from United as Mbeumo breaks free down the right but his cross is headed away easily.
Moments later, he’s set free one-v-one by Ugarte before blasting over, but he’s quite far offside anyway.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
16:58 , Chris Wilson26 mins
United are under a lot of pressure here.
The ball breaks loose near the centre circle and Haaland beats Yoro to it before racing free and slipping it to Silva.
The Portuguese tries to play the one-two but the visitors eventually manange to clear.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
16:57 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CLOSE! Another chance for City.
They come forward and work it wide to Doku on the left, and theBelgian creates some space before picking out Reijnders in the box.
The Dutchman takes the shot first time but it’s too close to Bayindir, ricocheting off the ‘keeper’s body before he grabs the rebound.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
16:55 , Chris Wilson22 mins
City have dominated since the goal and Haaland is causing problems in the box before Shaw clears for a corner.
Foden lines up the set-piece but De Ligt heads clear.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
16:53 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad“It had been billed as a Manchester derby without a Mancunian but one has scored: Phil Foden has a habit of finding the net in this fixture.”
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Man Utd
16:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
GOAL! City strike first in the derby!
City counter and they ship it to Doku, who shimmies past Shaw on the edge of the box before seeing his initial cross blocked.
It comes back to the Belgian and he clips a cross backwards to Foden, who is arriving to cushion a header into the far corner!
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:49 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Rodri loses it cheaply with a poor touch in his own half and United break, though Amad’s acrobatic attempt from Dorgu’s cross comes to nothing, and Fernandes can’t make anything of the rebound before City win a free-kick.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:47 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Ugarte tries to clip a first-time ball into the path of Mazraoui, but Donnarumma is there to sweep it up.
Moments later, Bayindir is also off his line well to prevent Haaland latching onto Foden’s through ball.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:46 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Phil Foden is playing in the ‘10’ role vacated by the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, and he’s picking up some nice positions just in front of United’s defence.
The hosts are beginning to settle in possession now too.
'A frenetic start'
16:45 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadFrom Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Quite a frenetic start here. Almost a rather unfortunate one for Altay Bayindir, too, first when Erling Haaland shot after 18 seconds and then when he slipped and almost gifted City a goal.
“Gianluigi Donnrumma has made his first save, to deny Benjamin Sesko.
“There have been a couple of nice touches from Sesko, too, which offers more optimism than some of his early displays for United.”
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:43 , Chris Wilson11 mins
The visitors win a free-kick near the City box as Dorgu puts the pressure on Silva and is eventually fouled by the Portuguese.
Mbeumo delivers the set-piece but Dorgu can’t nod it on at the near post.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:41 , Chris Wilson9 mins
United have had a couple of fairly promising openings already when City are on the back foot defensively, but once again the final ball doesn’t have enough quality (this time from Mbeumo to Amad).
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:40 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Almost a poor moment from the United defence as Bayindir goes short to De Ligt, but the Dutchman wriggles out of it before Amad’s attempted through ball can’t find Mbeumo.
Not long after, there’s almost a chance for City as Bayindir slips when under pressure from Haaland, but he manages to prevent the Norwegian winning the ball.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:37 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Good intervention from Donnarumma to punch clear a cross, and it starts a City counter that ends with Yoro shepherding the ball out for a goal kick.
A fairly frantic start here so far.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:36 , Chris Wilson3 mins
City come forward again but the offside flag goes up against Reijnders.
United’s first venture forward ends with Sesko trying his luck from distance, as he hooks an effort that Donnarumma saves easily.
Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:33 , Chris Wilson1 min
CLOSE! A chance within 20 seconds as Doku flicks it to Haaland in the box and the Norwegian’s snapshot rolls narrowly wide of the far post.
It’s a charged atmosphere at the Etihad!
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Man Utd
16:32 , Chris WilsonA moment of applause for Ricky Hatton ahead of kick-off.
The teams re-group and after a rendition of ‘Blue Moon’, we’re underway at the Etihad in what is the 197th Manchester derby!
Man City v Man Utd LIVE
16:26 , Chris WilsonBoth teams emerging from the tunnel now, and we’ll be underway soon here.
Amorim explains Sesko start
16:24 , Chris Wilson“Of course, the injuries but also the game [itself]. I think Benjamin [Sesko] will be asked to use his pace, as we’ll have more space behind [the defence],’ says Ruben Amorim when asked about his decision to start Sesko fie the first time.
On the decision to leave out Mainoo and play Amad in an advanced position: “We need more, like a winger playing inside more than an extra midfielder. Amad plays a lot of games as a 10, he played on the left in the national team. We can change also, we’ll see during the game,” he adds.
'Manchester scarcely looks the global capital of football'
16:21 , by Richard Jolly at the EtihadSome words from Richard Jolly, who is in position at the Etihad:
“It is 16th against 11th with Manchester scarcely looking the global capital of football, at least if the league table is any guide.
“But there is some evidence of an allure: Gianluigi Donnarumma makes his Manchester City debut in a side which also sees a first appearance this season for Josko Gvardiol and a start for a fit-again Phil Foden.
“Benjamin Sesko begins a Premier League game for the first time. As he had said he would, Ruben Amorim selects Altay Bayindir instead of Senne Lammens.”
Manchester clubs struggling
16:18 , Chris WilsonCity have lost two of their first three Premier League matches for the first time since the 2004/05 campaign, while it is the fewest points ever collected by Pep Guardiola in his first three league games of a season.
United registered their eighth win in 30 Premier League matches under Ruben Amorim (drawn seven, lost 15) in their 3-2 win over newly promoted Burnley. Half of Amorim’s wins have been against promoted sides.
Man City announce tribute to ‘revered supporter’ Ricky Hatton ahead of Manchester derby
16:15 , Chris WilsonManchester City have confirmed there will be a minute’s appreciation for “revered supporter” Ricky Hatton ahead of this afternoon’s Manchester derby following the death of the British boxing icon.
A City statement said: “Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.”
Match stats
16:07 , Chris WilsonManchester City have won five of their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United (drawn one, lost two), though they failed to win either game last season for the first time since 2020/21.
United have inflicted 25 per cent of Pep Guardiola’s total home Premier League losses as Man City manager, with the Red Devils having won won four times at the Etihad. They are looking for consecutive wins there for the first time since March 2021.
Head-to-head
16:00 , Chris WilsonAccording to the BBC, the two Manchester clubs have met 174 times in the past, with United winning 68, City winning 56 and 50 ending as draws.
United had the better of the fixture last season, winning 2-1 at the Etihad in a dramatic late turnaround before a drab 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in April.
Pep Guardiola accepts it may take time for new-look Man City to gel
15:50 , Jamie Braidwood"I would love to have the players of eight years ago, seven years ago, six years ago, but it's impossible.
"In any club there are always changes and, of course, when you change 10 players in a period of four or five months everything needs to be settled, fixed and coordinated.
"We are doing very, very good things but, still, we have to be more consistent than we have been. But step by step, we'll do it."
Ruben Amorim not reading anything into Man City's slower start
15:40 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim insisted he will read nothing into Manchester City's poor start to the season as he prepares his United side for the derby.
For all the scrutiny there has been on United's start they go the game one point better off than City, who have suffered back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton.
It is the first time since December 2020 that United will start a derby above City in the Premier League table, even if it is only three matches into the season, but Amorim said the challenge of facing Pep Guardiola's side was as hard as ever.
"It's the same thing," he said. "It's a top team with, for me, the best coach in the league. A team that is really hard to imagine how they are going to play, they change all the time.
"But we are prepared for that and we believe in our team and I have that feeling, so it will be a very good game. We know what to do. We have one more training (session). The table, in the moment, it doesn't matter.”
Pep Guardiola understands importance of derby opportunity
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodPep Guardiola views the Manchester derby as the perfect opportunity for Man City to kickstart their season.
Successive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton prior to the international break left City with just three points from their opening three Premier League games.
Guardiola is confident a visit from Manchester United, with all the intensity and passion that evokes, can provide the spark they have been lacking.
The City manager said: "The players came back good and, for our fans, I know how important it is.
"It's a really, really important game for us to change the dynamic and be in our mood. I trust a lot in the players and we're going to do a good game."
TEAM NEWS: Donnarumma to make his debut
15:28 , Luke BakerThe big news from those team announcements is of course that Gianluigi Donnarumma will make his Man City debut in goal - being preferred to James Trafford. What a game in which to make you bow! Phil Foden is also back in the starting line-up
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Meanwhile, for Man United, as Ruben Amorim hinted it’s Altay Bayindir who will be between the sticks rather than new signing Senne Lammens. Benjamin Sesko is also given the start up top
Man United XI: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Amad; Sesko
Man City v Man United team news
15:24 , Luke BakerThe teams are out. Here how the sides will line up
In the blue corner 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025
XI | Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Ake, Nico, Savinho, Nunes, Bobb, Mukasa, Lewis, Mfuni
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/Ld1wJBIkk4
Come on United! 🇾🇪
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2025
Man City v Man United team news and line-ups
15:10 , Jamie BraidwoodWill be confirmed in the next few minutes...
Ruben Amorim’s conviction faces familiar test as Manchester powers decline
15:00 , Richard JollyPep Guardiola’s first Manchester derby pitted him against a Portuguese manager and featured a debutant goalkeeper.
Nine years on, there are certain similarities, even if some of them will be superficial. Sunday will pit him against Ruben Amorim who, whereas Guardiola’s rivalry with Jose Mourinho could be bitter, smilingly calls the Catalan “the best coach in the league”.
The new goalkeeper to start could be Gianluigi Donnarumma for Manchester City, but will not be Manchester United’s Senne Lammens, with Amorim already deciding the error-prone Altay Bayindir will play instead.
Ruben Amorim’s conviction faces familiar test as Manchester powers decline
Man City announce tribute to ‘revered supporter’ Ricky Hatton ahead of Manchester derby
14:44 , Luke BakerManchester City have confirmed there will be a minute’s appreciation for “revered supporter” Ricky Hatton ahead of this afternoon’s Manchester derby following the death of the British boxing icon.
Hatton was found dead in his Greater Manchester home on Sunday morning at the age of 46 with tributes pouring in for one of the most popular fighters in British boxing history.
He was a huge Man City fan, often wearing sky blue shorts in the ring and using City anthem Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career. In 2008 he fulfilled a dream when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium
Pep Guardiola’s side are facing bitter rivals Manchester United in an eagerly-anticipated derby clash this afternoon and Man City confirmed they will pay tribute to Hatton.
Man City announce tribute to ‘revered supporter’ Ricky Hatton ahead of derby
Ruben Amorim gives honest verdict on Kobbie Mainoo after rejected loan request
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim has insisted he still believes a lot in Kobbie Mainoo and that he is helping the midfielder who wanted to leave Manchester United on loan.
Amorim said: “I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [the finished article]. I think he can do so much better, he can improve in a lot. He is a top, top player but he can be so much better.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival signals a shift in style for Man City under Pep Guardiola
14:20 , Jamie BraidwoodIt would be understandable if Pep Guardiola’s thoughts turn ever more to Istanbul. The city that crosses continents is where the Catalan won what may prove to be his last European Cup.
The trophy Manchester City finally claimed in 2023 was lifted by Ilkay Gundogan, now of Galatasaray. When he reflected on the final against Internazionale, Guardiola always tended to afford most credit to Ederson, now of Fenerbahce, for his string of late saves.
Perhaps that was the ultimate irony of the definitive footballing goalkeeper: now his City career is over, the greatest moments required the traditional skills of a goalkeeper.
Gianluigi Donnarumma signals a shift in style for Man City under Pep Guardiola
Rico Lewis commits future to Manchester City with new deal
14:00 , Richard JollyRico Lewis has signed a five-year contract extension to stay at Manchester City.
“Manchester City mean everything to me so to have been given the opportunity to sign this new contract is such a special moment both for me personally and my family,” he said.
Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals ‘dream’ tournament to win as he vows to ‘make history’ with Manchester City
13:40 , Jamie BraidwoodGianluigi Donnarumma said it would be a “dream” to win the Champions League with Manchester City as he declared that he and Pep Guardiola will do “great things” together.
The Italy captain joined City for £26m last week and has vowed to make history with his new club as he revealed he will realise an ambition by playing in the Premier League.
Donnarumma reveals ‘dream’ tournament to win and vows to ‘make history’ with Man City
Pep Guardiola admits Man City will miss key Ederson quality with Gianluigi Donnarumma
13:20 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he is not expecting new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to match Ederson’s footwork.
“I always try to adapt to the quality of the players,” said Guardiola.
“I wouldn’t demand ‘Gigi’ do something he is uncomfortable with. We are talking about the best (goalkeeper) I have ever seen with distribution, short and long passes, in Ederson.
“We didn’t take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has another quality.
“The market gave us a chance to take Gigi, who is 26 years old with incredible experience with a big club and a national team in Italy.
“He is so tall, he is so huge. All the keepers save shots, bring personality to the team and be a big presence, and he has done that in the biggest games.”
Pep Guardiola admits Man City will miss key Ederson quality with Gianluigi Donnarumma
Goodbye, Andre Onana – the face of Manchester United’s worst era
13:00 , Richard JollyAndre Onana’s last game for Internazionale was a Champions League final. What may forever prove his last match for Manchester United was a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, where he was horribly to blame for one goal, scored a penalty and saved another but, with strangely weak wrists, contrived to get his hands to several others without keeping them out.
By themselves, those two appearances can indicate an ignominious fall from grace.
Goodbye, Andre Onana – the face of Manchester United’s worst era
Why Man United gambled on Senne Lammens’s raw talent
12:40 , Jamie BraidwoodSenne Lammens represents the kind of transfer that, if he lives up to his potential, could reap far greater rewards than the 32-year-old Emi Martinez.
The image that comes to mind is a young David de Gea, who joined United as a callow 20-year-old and developed into perhaps the best shot-stopper in the world. And while the comparison is lofty, there is something of De Gea in Lammens, a tall figure who often uses his feet to make miraculous saves.
Defying xG models and a penalty king: Why Man United gambled on Senne Lammens
Ruben Amorim reveals his starting goalkeeper for Manchester derby
12:20 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim said Manchester United have signed a goalkeeper for the future in Senne Lammens – but has decided to select Altay Bayindir for Sunday’s Manchester derby instead.
“Altay is going to continue,” said Amorim, who said Lammens will compete with Bayindir to play as he adjusts to English football. “It is a different league, different country, different ball. So they will fight for the position.”
Ruben Amorim reveals his starting goalkeeper for Manchester derby
The Man City flaw that Man United hope to expose in derby taking new direction
12:00 , Miguel DelaneyJust a few days before the season began, figures close to Gianluigi Donnarumma felt a deal for Manchester United was on the table, with the player keen.
But, just hours before the deadline closed Manchester City were willing to pay what it took. The move has surprised a lot of people in football, from the abrupt nature of the signing to the fact that Pep Guardiola has demanded ball-playing goalkeepers as an article of faith.
This did not feel very much like the City that has been England’s dominant team for a decade. Many have even remarked that it felt more like what United do… except for the possibility their refusal to commit to such a deal is the clearest sign yet of a new direction.
It might also mean a new direction for this derby, but going which way?
The Man City flaw that Man United hope to expose in derby taking new direction
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