Manchester United hosts Manchester City at Old Trafford for the first derby of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Sunday at 4:30 pm BST, entering the fixture with a significantly longer injury list than their opponents, according to match reports. City manager Enzo Maresca enters the weekend with fewer squad concerns, while United manager Michael Carrick must navigate multiple absences across defense, midfield, and attack.
Manchester United Injury News and Squad Absences
United faces several confirmed squad absences ahead of the Old Trafford clash. Amad Diallo remains out with an ankle problem and has not featured this season, according to club reports. Matthijs de Ligt is also unavailable following long-term back surgery. De Ligt has been sidelined since November, though Carrick stated that the defender has trained well and is on track. Summer signing Carlos Baleba remains absent with an ankle ligament injury sustained prior to finalizing his transfer from Brighton, with a potential return targeted after the upcoming international break. Manuel Ugarte continues his recovery following knee surgery, while third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton remains sidelined with a hamstring injury without a firm return timetable.
Late Fitness Tests and Tactical Options for Carrick
Left-back Luke Shaw represents the primary late fitness concern for United. Shaw experienced cramp late in the 2-2 draw against Everton and missed the 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah as a precaution. Carrick noted that the club managed Shaw carefully and chose not to risk him in midweek, leaving the defender facing a late fitness test before Sunday. Patrick Dorgu stands ready as the likely replacement if Shaw cannot start. Senne Lammens is projected to continue in goal, while Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans provide midfield depth. Mason Mount is available after completing the European fixture without reported issues. Carrick is also expected to recall Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot following European rotation, alongside potential appearances from Lisandro Martinez, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Marcus Rashford.
Manchester City Team News and Available Depth
City arrives with a notably healthier roster, featuring Jeremy Doku as the sole confirmed absentee due to a calf injury suffered during the Community Shield against Arsenal. Maresca stated that Doku requires additional recovery days, ruling him out of the derby. Antoine Semenyo emerges as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy, supported by Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden in attacking roles behind Erling Haaland. Nico O’Reilly returns to full availability after missing the victory over Porto with a back issue, with Maresca confirming the full-back is fully fit. Additional squad boosts include the return of Matheus Nunes, alongside an unhindered lineup featuring Haaland, Enzo Fernandez, and Elliot Anderson.
Pro Tip: Derby matches often hinge on midfield battles and tactical discipline. Keep an eye on how United deploys substitutes late in the match to manage players returning from recent fitness tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Manchester United vs Manchester City match?
The match takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 pm BST.
Will Luke Shaw play in the derby?
Shaw faces a late fitness test after missing the midweek Champions League fixture due to cramp sustained against Everton.
Which Manchester City players are injured?
Jeremy Doku is ruled out with a calf injury, while the rest of Maresca’s squad is largely available.
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