Manchester City triumphed at the Etihad Stadium to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool and earn a sixth win in the last seven Manchester derbies.
Things didn’t always look as though City would win. Marcus Rashford had the first word with a blistering strike inside the first 10 minutes, beating Ederson from 25-yards with a rocket that rattled into the underside of the crossbar and finished in the back of the net.
United’s Andre Onana performed admirably in goal as City stepped up the tempo but the hosts should have entered the half-time break on level terms only for Erling Haaland to volley over the crossbar from close range.
Phil Foden, quickly making the derby his stage to perform on, nipped in from the right just before the hour mark and nailed a left footed strike into the far top corner to equalise. With 10 minutes to go Foden, aided superbly by Julian Alvarez, finished off a slick move to get into the box and coolly finished past Onana to put the hosts ahead before Haaland closed out the match in stoppage time.
Relive the action from the Manchester derby below:
Manchester City v Manchester United – Premier League latest
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REPORT: Phil Foden cements role as Man City’s new talisman and alters Man Utd’s future
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FT – Foden brace sees City come from behind to secure derby-day win
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90+1 GOAL! – Haaland leaves it late but gets his goal (MCI 3-1 MUN)
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80’ GOAL! – Foden’s second sends City ahead (MCI 2-1 MUN)
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56’ GOAL! – Foden drills in a screamer to level (MCI 1-1 MUN)
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45’ MISS! – Haaland lifts sitter over crossbar (MCI 0-1 MUN)
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8’ GOAL! – Rashford rocket puts United ahead (MCI 0-1 MUN)
Manchester City FC 3 – 1 Manchester United FC
Phil Foden cements role as Man City’s new talisman and alters Man Utd’s future
18:05 , Ben Fleming
There is a global interest in the Manchester derby but if there was a defiantly local flavour as Mancunians brought the magic. Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United was also Stockport 2-1 Wythenshawe. With squads compiled for a colossal cost, three goals came from the homegrown.
City may claim Erling Haaland, born in the summer his father joined them, as one of their own too, but his sixth derby goal was the suffix to Phil Foden’s brace.
For United, a day that began well and contained the essence of an excellent display nevertheless ended with the defeat most anticipated.
Read Richard Jolly’s report from the Etihad Stadium:
Phil Foden cements role as Man City’s new talisman and alters Man Utd’s future
Bruno Fernandes speaking to Sky Sports
18:11 , Ben Fleming
“I think the commitment from the team was there. We had our chances. Sometimes we played a little too deep but you know City do that to all the teams. You have to defend your box and we did that really well in the first half. Then, from our chance, it ended up 1-1.
“There’s always something more you can do in the game, if it is City or someone else you can always do something better. City are a team that knows how to have the ball and pin teams back. We knew we had to defend our goal really well and I think we did, we should have had more spells with the ball than we did in the second half.”
On fight to get in the Champions League: “Every time you don’t win a game it is damaging at this club. We know what this club demands and we want to win the games we are involved in.
“We didn’t get the three points today but there’s still a long way to go. We know it is not everything in our hands because other teams have to lose points but we have to do our job.”
A tough day at the office for United
18:09 , Ben Fleming
A tricky game for Manchester United who attempted just three shots in this match; only once on record (from 2003-04) have they had fewer in a single Premier League game (2 v Liverpool in April 2022).
Let’s get some reaction now from the visitors…
Phil Foden speaking to Sky Sports:
18:06 , Ben Fleming
“That’s my aim, to turn up in the big games. That’s what I want to do and I think this season I’m proving that. Just need to keeping working hard.
“I understand what it means to the fans. A derby at the Etihad means everything to me. To score is even better, but it was all about the win today.”
On his switch to the left wing: “The manager said switch with Bernardo [Silva] and not long after I got the second goal. Obviously, the manager knows best and it paid off in the end.”
More from Walker
18:03 , Ben Fleming
On the message at half-time: “I don’t think we played badly – I said that in the dressing at the time. Sometimes you take your hat off to goals like that. I don’t like conceding goals and maybe we could have stopped the ball further up the pitch or not let him shoot but sometimes these things happen and it’s then about the reaction from the lads.
“Us as leaders have to pick people up and we know it isn’t over until it’s over and we’ll keep going to the end. Phil came up with the goal early on and then it’s about keeping up the pressure till the second comes.
On his tackle on Rashford in the build-up to Foden’s first goal: “I haven’t looked back at it but I didn’t feel like there was much in it. I’ve probably done what I normally do and get my arm across people but the ref’s seen it and checked it on the VAR and they [United] have to just take it at that.”
Kyle Walker speaking to Sky Sports
17:56 , Ben Fleming
“This season Phil has been nothing short of first class. That’s the standard he sets for himself. That’s the standard the manager sets for him. He needs to keep that up now.
“We call Phil the sniper because he likes to shoot. When he comes in on that left foot you know he’s got the quality and calmness and composure to pick his spot. He took his goals fantastically well.
“He’s played off both sides today and been trusted down the middle this year which is a big part of the responsibility he’s taken on for the team. We lean on him and we need important players.
“He practices and puts the work in. His goals are coming and he’s reaping the rewards.”
Foden’s form continues
17:54 , Ben Fleming
The City midfielder has now scored 18 goals in all competitions for Man City this season – his most ever in a single campaign, surpassing the 16 he netted in 2020-21.
What a season he is having. Let’s get some reaction from him and Man City captain Kyle Walker now…
Roy Keane – ‘City showed why they’re champions’
17:49 , Ben Fleming
“I don’t want to be too hard on United because City were brilliant. They showed why they’re champions,” Keane says after the game on Sky Sports.
“What City do is they find out all your shortcomings. There’s no hiding place. It’s like a boxing ring. They wore them down. The stats show you how dominant Man City were. Haaland and De Bruyne weren’t at their best but then Foden stepped up.
“I think it’s more credit to Man City than being too critical of Man Utd. Manchester United will have to take their medicine today.”
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:44 , Ben Fleming
Today’s defeat represents the first time that Manchester United have lost a Premier League game in which they led at half-time for the first time since September 2014 against Leicester (5-3).
It’s also the first time that Manchester City had ever come from behind to beat Manchester United in a Premier League match. They had lost the previous 15 times in a row that they had trailed against Man Utd in the league before today.
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:40 , Ben Fleming
Three second-half goals to complete City’s comeback. Let’s take a look at them…
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:34 , Ben Fleming
City keep pace at the top of the table.
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:28 , Ben Fleming
Manchester is blue once again as a fine second-half comeback – spearheaded by local lad Phil Foden – secures all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rashford’s stunner in the first half had given United a shock lead but Foden was the difference-maker after the break, rifling in the equaliser before finishing cutely for his second.
Haaland added the icing on the cake in injury time as City move within one point of Liverpool ahead of their crunch clash next weekend.
Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:28 , Ben Fleming
90+9 mins: A late free-kick for United is whipped in by Fernandes but it comes to nothing and there goes the final whistle.
Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
17:25 , Ben Fleming
90+5 mins: Cries of ‘ole’ ring out from the Man City fans as their players knock the ball out with ease in these final few minutes.
There’s some slight concern for Foden as he goes to the ground after a challenge but he’s back on his feet and makes way for Bobb in the closing stages.
GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United (Haaland, 90+1 mins)
17:21 , Ben Fleming
Haaland has his goal and that should be that.
Amrabat is dispossessed by Rodri in a terrible position after a hospital pass from a United teammate.
Rodri slides through Haaland who, having missed a sitter in the first half, makes no mistake this time, curling the ball past Onana and into the far-left corner.
Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
17:21 , Ben Fleming
90+1 mins: Eight minutes of injury time here at the Etihad as De Bruyne tries his luck from range. Onana is sprawling to his right but it’s just wide of the post.
Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
17:17 , Ben Fleming
87 mins: The life looks sucked out of those United players still on the pitch as City continue to pour forward. De Bruyne gets the better of Kambwala but Varane does well to clear away the low cross for a corner.
Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
17:12 , Ben Fleming
82 mins: A double change for United following that goal as Amrabat and Forson come on for Mainoo and Garnacho.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (80 mins)
17:10 , Ben Fleming
City are ahead and it’s Phil Foden’s Manchester Derby!
The Englishman spins in behind Casemiro, giving it to Alvarez and getting it back inside the box before finishing with aplomb, across Onana and into the bottom-right corner.
What a run of form he is on.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
17:09 , Ben Fleming
78 mins: Mainoo slides in Garnacho but Ederson is quick off the line and superb in the tackle on the Argentine, dispossessing the Argentine and winning a goal-kick.
VAR has a quick look but the onfield decision stands.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
17:04 , Ben Fleming
75 mins: A second change of the game for United as goalscorer Rashford makes way for Antony.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
17:00 , Ben Fleming
71 mins: Walker, now tries his luck from range. It’s a well-hit strike but it’s straight down the throat of Onana who catches it with ease.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
17:00 , Ben Fleming
70 mins: De Bruyne lets the effort fly but it’s straight into the wall.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
16:58 , Ben Fleming
69 mins: Haaland gets the better of Evans before skipping past Varane. The Frenchman takes no chances and hauls down the striker, receiving a yellow card for his troubles.
A free-kick in a good area for City but, before that, a change for United as Evans departs for Kambwala.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
16:55 , Ben Fleming
64 mins: Onana hits the turf complaining of cramp which only draws further ire from the City fans behind his goal.
After some quick treatment, he’s back on his feet as the boos continue to ring around the Etihad.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
16:50 , Ben Fleming
60 mins: It always felt that City’s pressure would tell at some point. Can United now regroup and try to get themselves a greater foothold in this game as we enter the final 30 minutes?
City make the game’s first change as Alvarez comes on for Doku.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United (Foden, 56 mins)
16:46 , Ben Fleming
A special strike from Foden to equalise for City!
Anything Rashford can do, the City forward can do just as well. Rodri feeds the Englishman who cuts inside too easily past Lindelof before rifling a left-footed strike past Onana and into the top corner.
Game on.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:43 , Ben Fleming
53 mins: The first proper spell of possession for United this entire game but it’s gifted back to Silva and City break. Foden bursts down the right but Dalot is well placed to head clear the eventual cross.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:38 , Ben Fleming
49 mins: McTominay has space to run in down the right but is positioned well to clear away his first-time cross looking for Rashford.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:35 , Ben Fleming
46 mins: Back underway at the Etihad – can United hold on in this second 45 minutes?
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:32 , Ben Fleming
City have had 18 shots compared to just two from United. The expected goals (xG) tally sits at 2.7-0.19 after the first 45 minutes.
United fans, you suspect though, won’t care one bit if the score stays how it is.
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:28 , Ben Fleming
If you’re just joining us, here are the game’s two big moments from the first half. First, Rashford’s stunning opener, followed by Haaland’s golden opportunity at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:24 , Ben Fleming
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:19 , Ben Fleming
A non-stop first half draws to a close and United, somehow, lead.
Rashford’s stunner gave the visitors an early lead but it’s been all City since then.
The hosts have struggled to create a host of clear-cut chances but should have levelled on the brink of half-time when Haaland inexplicably volleyed over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:19 , Ben Fleming
45+3 mins: Into the third and final minute of first-half added time as De Bruyne whips in another cross.
United clear the initial threat but Walker’s follow-up strike is deflected over the bar.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:17 , Ben Fleming
45 mins: MISS! How on earth has Haaland not equalised?
Rodri’s crossfield cross finds Foden who cushions a header back across goal to Haaland. The Norwegian is mere yards out from goal but somehow volleys his effort over the bar.
Guardiola turns away in disgust – that is a golden opportunity wasted by his star striker.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:13 , Ben Fleming
42 mins: Foden’s cross is only partially cleared by Casemiro but falls onto the right foot of the onrushing De Bruyne. It’s a difficult chance for the Belgian and he blazes it well wide of the target.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:10 , Ben Fleming
39 mins: Foden gets to the byline well but his clipped cross is claimed again by Onana. It’s been an impressive first half for the United shot-stopper.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:06 , Ben Fleming
35 mins: Chances continue to pile up for City but De Bruyne fires wide with a difficult effort.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:04 , Ben Fleming
33 mins: SAVE! More smart keeping from Onana as he gets down low to his left to push Rodri’s improvised volley around the post for a corner.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:04 , Ben Fleming
32 mins: Casemiro fails to clear City’s cross properly and the ball pops to Haaland on the six-yard box. It’s the first real chance the City striker has had but he can’t redirect the ball on target.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
16:01 , Ben Fleming
30 mins: Doku plays a nice one-two as he drifts into the box but the Belgian’s eventual effort is skewed wide and over the bar.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:59 , Ben Fleming
27 mins: United’s flat 4-4-2 formation has done a good job of nullifying City so far but Guardiola’s side are still seeing the lion’s share of the ball.
Whether Ten Hag’s side can maintain their concentration for the entire 90 minutes is another thing altogether.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:54 , Ben Fleming
23 mins: City’s set-piece deliveries have let them down so far as Onana comes through the crowd again to claim a high ball.
Up the other end, United go but Rashford gets it all wrong as he tries to strike McTominay’s cross on target from a tight angle.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:50 , Ben Fleming
19 mins: SAVE! Foden, again, rushes through on goal but it’s a smart save once more from Onana to deny him.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:49 , Ben Fleming
17 mins: Almost another great chance for Rashford after Dias’ slip plays him through.
It’s a poor first touch, though, from the United forward which allows Walker to rush back and win the ball.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:47 , Ben Fleming
16 mins: De Bruyne, now, picks up the ball inside the area but his eventual effort is sliced well wide of the target.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:46 , Ben Fleming
14 mins: SAVE! United’s back four is all over the place, briefly, as Foden finds some space inside the box. His low effort from a tight angle is turned around the corner well by Onana.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
15:44 , Ben Fleming
13 mins: City are back on the attack straight after that goal. Foden whips in a corner to the near post and Fernandes almost slices it into his own net.
It’s out for another corner which Fernandes clears away with greater authority, this time.
GOAL! Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United (Rashford, 8 mins)
15:40 , Ben Fleming
A screamer from Rashford to give United the lead!
Onana finds Fernandes from the goal-kick and the United captain does superbly to hold up the ball against Dias. Eventually, he lays it off to the onrushing Rashford and his first-time effort crashes off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
A dream start for the visitors against the run of play.
Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
15:37 , Ben Fleming
6 mins: Doku’s flashing cross almost catches out Onana at the near post but it’s just into the side-netting.
Up the other end, Garnacho and Rashford surge forward but the former’s cross looking for the Englishman deflects up into the gloves of Ederson.
Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
15:35 , Ben Fleming
3 mins: Stones goes down inside the box under a tackle from Casemiro but referee Andy Madley waves away the protests.
VAR has a look as play continues but the onfield decision is upheld. It looked like the City defender clipped the back of Casemiro’s boot as he went to ground.
Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
15:33 , Ben Fleming
2 mins: An early corner is worked short and eventually out to Foden on the edge of the box but his effort is headed behind for another corner by Dalot.
The second corner is cleared away at the near post by Fernandes.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
15:32 , Ben Fleming
1 min: The hosts get us underway at the Etihad.
Closing in on kick-off
15:26 , Ben Fleming
We’re just moments away from kick-off and the atmosphere is brewing nicely inside the Etihad Stadium.
What has the latest edition of the Manchester derby got in store for us? Let’s find out shortly…
Ratcliffe’s first Manchester derby
15:22 , Ben Fleming
Today’s match is the first Manchester derby since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a co-owner of Manchester United and took over their footballing operations.
When the deal was completed he said he wanted to knock Manchester City “off their perch” within three years and described their 4-0 win over Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League semi-final as “the best football I’ve seen”.
Will Ratcliffe get his wish earlier than expected with a United victory this afternoon?
Haaland looking to inflict more woes on Manchester rivals
15:18 , Ben Fleming
Back to his best against Luton in midweek, Haaland will be eyeing up more goals against an injury-hit United defence.
Against no side has the Norwegian scored more Premier League goals than against Manchester United (5). Indeed, only Sergio Agüero (8) has scored more Manchester derby goals for the Citizens in the competition than Haaland.
Bruno Fernandes looking for improved display in landmark appearance
15:14 , Ben Fleming
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was a doubt in midweek but has been passed fit to start, meaning he has not missed a Premier League match through injury for two years.
It is the Portuguese international’s 150th Premier League appearance today and he will no doubt be eyeing up an important contribution in this game.
The 29-year-old has created more chances than any other player in the competition this term (74) but his rate of a goal or assist every 281 minutes this term is his lowest in any of his five campaigns.
Guardiola warns about Manchester derby emotions
15:10 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must not be distracted by emotions in Sunday’s derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
City, who won 3-0 at Old Trafford in October, are second in the Premier League, four places above United and four points behind leaders Liverpool whom they are determined to catch.
Any drop in points could be costly in the title race though today’s encounter may not be as easy as first expected. Though City are unbeaten in 18 games, United have lost only once in this calendar year.
“What I learn from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm, relax, don’t talk about many things,” Guardiola said.
“Just focus on tactics and what you have to do to beat them, not about emotions – because emotions will be there, without doubt.”
Earlier today
15:05 , Ben Fleming
Sunday’s early game saw Bournemouth claim their first win of the year with a hard-fought 2-0 away victory against Burnley.
Goals from Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo either side of half-time move the Cherries up to 13th, while Vincent Kompany’s side remain in 19th and 11 points off safety.
Inside the power battles at the heart of the new Manchester United
15:00 , Ben Fleming
Over the past few months, Jean-Claude Blanc has kept a line of dialogue open with Zinedine Zidane. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos and Blanc, the chief executive of its sports arm, have long been admirers of the former Real Madrid manager. That level of Champions League success is naturally what Ineos is aspiring to at Manchester United.
This isn’t to say that Zidane is set to take over at Old Trafford in the summer, but it is a connection the group is naturally keeping open.
It similarly feeds into the feeling around Erik ten Hag’s future. Virtually everyone is saying it is up in the air. Ineos is monitoring everything and consulting, and will make the decision it best sees fit.
Miguel Delaney, meanwhile, takes a look at the shifting power dynamics at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover:
Inside the power battles at the heart of the new Manchester United
How Phil Foden became Man City’s invisible, invaluable talisman
14:54 , Ben Fleming
The last time Manchester United visited the Etihad Stadium, Phil Foden achieved a historic feat. He became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Manchester derby for all of nine minutes. Admittedly, until Erling Haaland had completed his own treble, no one else had mustered one in the fixture since Andrei Kanchelskis in 1994.
The last time Manchester City beat Manchester United, Foden was on target and yet overshadowed by Haaland again, scoring the third goal at Old Trafford in October. As he approaches his 12th derby – at 23, it is another indication of how Foden is amassing the numbers of a senior player while still relatively young – it is as a member of the supporting cast again.
Ahead of today’s fixture, Richard Jolly takes a look at City’s home-grown talisman
How Phil Foden became Man City’s invisible, invaluable talisman
City emulating United
14:47 , Ben Fleming
Man City have won five of the last six Premier League titles, while Manchester United’s most recent league title came in 2013 – Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge.
Last year City matched their rivals’ feat from 1998-99 by winning the Treble and are battling to repeat the feat this season by vying for the Premier League title, the Champions League trophy and the FA Cup.
Manchester United team news
14:40 , Ben Fleming
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, makes two changes from his FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest. Evans starts in central defence alongside Varane, with Amrabat dropping to the bench and Lindelof shifting to left-back.
The other change sees Mainoo come in for Antony. The youngster will partner Casemiro in a midfield-two, with McTominay moving further forward and Fernandes, presumably, shifting out to the right wing.
Man Utd XI: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof, Mainoo, Casemiro, McTominay, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford
Subs: Bayindir, Kambwala, Ogunneye, Amad, Amrabat, Collyer, Eriksen, Forson, Antony.
Manchester City team news
14:34 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola makes five changes from his 6-2 midweek win over Luton. Ederson returns in goal in place of Ortgea, while Akanji is replaced by Dias in central defence.
Further up the pitch, Rodri, Foden and Doku come into the side, with Nunes and Kovavic dropping to the bench and the injured Grealish missing out altogether.
Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Ortega, Kovacic, Alvarez, Gomez, Gvardiol, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.
The teams are in!
14:31 , Ben Fleming
In the blue corner for #MCIMUN! 👊🩵
XI | Ederson, Walker (C), Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Kovacic, Alvarez, Gomez, Gvardiol, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/9HBTctqtXJ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 3, 2024
Team news coming shortly
14:29 , Ben Fleming
We should have starting XIs landing in the next few minutes – will there be any surprises in store?
Manchester derby results
14:13 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City have won five of their last six games in all competitions against Manchester United. Their only loss in that time came in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in January 2023.
How Manchester United could line up
14:05 , Ben Fleming
Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford
Fernandes and Varance expected to be fit
14:00 , Ben Fleming
Both Fernandes and Varane picked up niggles in the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest but manager Erik ten Hag says he expects both to feature today.
“They fought to be part and they came well out of the game so I think they will be available for Sunday as well,” he told reporters on Thursday.
The Dutchman, meanwhile, admitted he won’t be able to call on the services of Harry Maguire after the Englishman missed the midweek victory over Forest. Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all unavailable, while Rasmus Hojlund will be back later in March from a muscular problem.
How Manchester City could line up
13:53 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Stones; Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
Jack Grealish set to miss Manchester Derby
13:50 , Ben Fleming
City’s big injury news is that Grealish will miss today’s game. The Englishman returned in midweek for the FA Cup game against Luton but was forced off in the first half due to a recurrence of a groin injury.
“I don’t think [he will be back before the internationals],” Guardiola said when asked in the week about Grealish’s condition.
“I haven’t spoken to the doctors but I think he has to recover well to use him as much as possible. We have an alternative. Setbacks in life are always there, it is how you overcome them.”
Elsewhere, Kevin De Bruyne could start back-to-back games after a slight niggle. The Belgian returned in style against Luton, notching up four assists for Erling Haaland.
Team News
13:45 , Ben Fleming
We’ve got about 45 minutes until the starting lineups are out. Let’s start by taking a look at some of the early team news…
Micah Richards – Phil Foden reaching ‘world-class levels’
13:42 , Ben Fleming
Another player that has come in for plenty of praise in recent months is Phil Foden who has been City’s in-form player, particularly in the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
“He wants to make things happen, his passing is getting better and he’s still only young,” he said on Sky Sports.
“When you come onto the scene early and do so well, it can go to your head – I was in that situation at times – but people we always wondering: ‘Is he going to be world-class?’ Now, he is rising towards them levels because he has that level of consistency and it’s great to see.”
Neville – Mainoo a ‘bright light’ for United
13:35 , Ben Fleming
Speaking in the build-up to today’s game, former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has hailed the impact of Kobbie Mainoo since coming into Erik ten Hag’s side.
“I always think of Mainoo’s first three games away at Goodison Park, St James’ Park and Anfield and he handled it really well,” he said on Sky Sports.
“Him and Casemiro are better together and the results have picked up but I don’t think they’ve stopped enough shots.
“There is still an element of working better together in a defensive sense and it’s a big test today but his first few months have been outstanding and I always think he stands up when Manchester United are struggling in games.”
Late Lucas Digne goal sees Aston Villa snatch win over battling Luton
13:28 , Ben Fleming
Aston Villa maintained their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League as substitute Lucas Digne headed an 89th-minute winner to defeat Luton 3-2 at Kenilworth Road.
Unai Emery’s side looked to have thrown away two points, allowing Luton to fight back from two goals down in the second half, until Digne arrived at the far post to turn Moussa Diaby’s deep cross past Thomas Kaminski and into the net, in front of ecstatic away fans.
The hosts had fought back bravely to level the game at 2-2, Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris scoring after a brace from Ollie Watkins had seemingly put Villa in control at the break.
Defeat for Rob Edwards’ side was their fourth in a row, whilst Villa maintained their five-point lead over Tottenham in the race for the Champions League.
A heartbreaking defeat for the home side:
Late Lucas Digne goal sees Aston Villa snatch win over battling Luton
Tottenham strike in quick succession to return to winning ways against Crystal Palace
13:21 , Ben Fleming
Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Crystal Palace after a dazzling spell of three goals in 11 second-half minutes.
Ange Postecoglou’s team were heading for a second straight defeat when fit-again Eberechi Eze curled home for Oliver Glasner’s side with 59 minutes on the clock.
Substitute Brennan Johnson helped turn the match back in Spurs’ favour, though, with a brilliant assist for Timo Werner’s 77th-minute equaliser before Cristian Romero headed in a second soon after.
Captain Son Heung-min wrapped up the scoring two minutes from time after Johnson had sent him away to earn the hosts a much-needed win in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Tottenham strike in quick succession to return to winning ways against Crystal Palace
Mark Knopfler sees Eddie Howe get a tune out of Newcastle against Wolves
13:14 , Ben Fleming
Eddie Howe managed to get a tune out of his team with rock star Mark Knopfler watching as clinical Newcastle ended Wolves’ three-game winning run.
Knopfler was at St James’ Park to unveil a charity recording of the theme from Local Hero, the song to which the Magpies run out, and witnessed a 3-0 home victory – a first in the Premier League since December 16 – courtesy of Alexander Isak’s 15th goal of the season, Anthony Gordon’s 10th and substitute Tino Livramento’s first for the club.
Head coach Howe, who had spoken of his own musical ability – or more accurately, lack of it – in the run-up to the game, came up with the perfect game plan, sucking Wolves in by allowing them possession and then hitting them on the break in devastating fashion.
The visitors rallied late in the game, but were unable to find a way past keeper Martin Dubravka in front of a crowd of 52,206 at a wintry St James’.
Back to winning ways for the Magpies:
Mark Knopfler sees Eddie Howe get a tune out of Newcastle against Wolves
Rodrigo Muniz on target again as Fulham brush aside Brighton
13:07 , Ben Fleming
Rodrigo Muniz was on the scoresheet again as Fulham claimed an impressive 3-0 win over Brighton at Craven Cottage.
The Brazilian forward claimed his fifth Premier League goal in his last five matches after Harry Wilson’s long-range effort put the Cottagers’ ahead.
Adama Traore came off the bench to score in second-half added time.
Fulham registered their first back-to-back league wins since December after their 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Another impressive display from Marco Silva’s side:
Rodrigo Muniz on target again as Fulham brush aside Brighton
Everton’s on-field woes not solved by reduced points deduction
13:00 , Ben Fleming
West Ham scored twice in stoppage time to come from behind at Goodison Park as a mixed afternoon for Everton striker Beto ended in a 3-1 defeat.
The Portuguese forward’s redemptive goal after missing the Toffees’ first penalty of the season had put his side ahead but his joy was short-lived.
Kurt Zouma equalised within six minutes and then Tomas Soucek, with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot strike in the 91st minute was followed by Edson Alvarez’s breakaway as Everton’s winless run was extended to 10 matches.
A week which began with news of the Toffees’ 10-point deduction being reduced to six, lifting them out of the relegation zone, ended with more recriminations and questions.
Everton’s on-field woes not solved by reduced points deduction
Chelsea fans turn on Mauricio Pochettino after latest disappointing result
12:54 , Ben Fleming
Chelsea fans turned on Mauricio Pochettino as they watched their side labour to a 2-2 draw at west London rivals Brentford.
The Blues were leading through a Nicolas Jackson header but were pegged back by Mads Roerslev’s close-range strike. And shortly after Yoane Wissa put Brentford ahead with a spectacular overhead kick, the away fans began singing the name of former manager Jose Mourinho as well as calling for Pochettino to go.
But the Blues at least rescued a point on Pochettino’s 52nd birthday after Axel Disasi scored a late equaliser.
Report from another disappointing day for the Blues:
Chelsea fans turn on Mauricio Pochettino after latest disappointing result
Darwin Nunez proves status as Liverpool’s man of massive moments to keep Reds’ title fight intact
12:47 , Ben Fleming
Just seconds from the end, Darwin Nunez produced one of those uproarious moments that you might usually say was a sign of where the title is going. The evidence of this season, however, suggests it’s going to need many more of them.
Perhaps the greatest significance of this 99th-minute 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, beyond the vintage late header of such a classic run-in victory, was that Jurgen Klopp’s side kept persevering despite so many absences. They have kept this form going, and still have a number of stars to come back.
The return of a player who is definitely ascending to that kind of level for supporters was the crucial difference here.
Nunez might still be a source of debate for many other people in football, but there is no doubt the Liverpool fans love him, or that he is clearly now invaluable for these moments. This 99th-minute header kept a tone that was set with that double against Newcastle United back in August.
Miguel Delaney’s report from the City Ground:
Nunez remains Liverpool’s man of massive moments to keep title fight intact
Yesterday’s action
12:40 , Ben Fleming
We’ve still just under three hours until kick-off here at the Etihad Stadium so let’s take a break from build-up to look back on yesterday’s results in the Premier League…
Casemiro – Derby days are ‘meant to be enjoyed’
12:34 , Ben Fleming
Casemiro notched up his first goal of the season against Nottingham Forest in midweek and is now eyeing up an equally important contribution on derby day.
The Brazilian has missed much of the season through injury but, now back in the team, the former Real Madrid midfielder wants his side to savour the occasion on Sunday.
“They’re the games where you notice the fans want the game. The players want the game. The club want the game,’ he told the club’s website.
“I think they’re games and days that are meant to be enjoyed. That’s how I feel. They’re beautiful games. We know that in order to win, if we win that match it’ll boost the team morale and the club morale, especially considering how important it would be for the end of the season.
“But we have to face every match like a final, as if they were all important matches. So I think this is another important match for us.”
Guardiola singles out United key threat
12:25 , Ben Fleming
Ahead of this afternoon’s game, Guardiola has singled out Bruno Fernandes as one of United’s key threats.
The Portuguese international has endured a quieter spell in recent months and has come in for some criticism but the Spanish coach believes he still possesses an abundance of quality.
‘He is an exceptional player,’ Guardiola said. “Especially the consistency to play in every single game and in every single competition.
“I admire him a lot for that. He is a guy that when he has the ball, something is going to happen. In set pieces, in connections with players up front with [Alejandro] Garnacho, with Rashford, all the strikers they have up there.”
Asked if his side will work to specifically nullify Fernandes’ threat, Guardiola said: “Of course, it always has to be like that. Always he can be creating something.”
Why is Man City vs Manchester United kicking off at an ‘unusual’ time today?
12:16 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium as the hosts to bolster their bid for another title with derby day victory – but the match is kicking off at the “unusual” time of 3.30pm GMT.
The clash between the cross-town rivals looked set to take the 4:30pm slot on ‘Super Sunday’, when the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend is usually played.
But the kick-off time has been brought forward by an hour following consultation between the local authorities and broadcasters, with both clubs agreeing to the change.
A statement from Manchester United confirmed: “The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”
It follows the reverse fixture also kicking off an hour earlier than usual in October, while Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford next month will also kick off at 3:30pm.
Guardiola responds to Ratcliffe comments
12:07 , Mike Jones
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% stake in Manchester United was finalised the Ineos billionaire came out and said that his goal was to ‘knock Man City off the perch’.
Since then Pep Guardiola has had his say believing that this era of the English top flight belongs to his club.
“The 80s was Liverpool, 90s United and now we have won seven Premier Leagues in the last 11 or 12 years,” said Guardiola.
“But in 50 or 60 years there has never been one country where one team always dominates and controls everything. We will try in this organisation to extend this as much as possible for many years.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his people know the diagnosis of their club. I don’t know anything about that club. If they said they need two or three years to be there, who am I to say the opposite?”
How Phil Foden became Man City’s invisible, invaluable talisman
12:00 , Mike Jones
The last time Manchester United visited the Etihad Stadium, Phil Foden achieved a historic feat. He became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Manchester derby for all of nine minutes. Admittedly, until Erling Haaland had completed his own treble, no one else had mustered one in the fixture since Andrei Kanchelskis in 1994.
The last time Manchester City beat Manchester United, Foden was on target and yet overshadowed by Haaland again, scoring the third goal at Old Trafford in October. As he approaches his 12th derby – at 23, it is another indication of how Foden is amassing the numbers of a senior player while still relatively young – it is as a member of the supporting cast again.
How Phil Foden became Man City’s invisible, invaluable talisman
City emulating United
11:50 , Mike Jones
Man City have won five of the last six Premier League titles, while Manchester United’s most recent league title came in 2013 – Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge.
Last year City matched their rivals’ feat from 1998-99 by winning the Treble and are battling to repeat the feat this season by vying for the Premier League title, the Champions League trophy and the FA Cup.
United’s shocking defence
11:42 , Mike Jones
Manchester City have scored a combined 10 goals in their last two home games against Manchester United and are vying for a third consecutive home league win against them for the first time since a run of four wins between 1952 and 1955.
With the Red Devils missing key defenders for this clash it could turn out to be a big scoreline again for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Guardiola sees Ratcliffe praise as an ‘honour’
11:35 , Mike Jones
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says it is a “complete honour” to receive praise from Manchester United’s new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe who claimed City have played some of the best football he had ever seen.
“I just say ‘thank you so much’,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes they are more than the titles, the compliments of the personalities that make this country, like Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments.
“It is a complete honour for us.
“One can produce emotions and feelings for the players and our rivals. That helps to do our job. Thank you so much on behalf of all of us.”
Inside the power battles at the heart of the new Manchester United
11:27 , Mike Jones
Over the past few months, Jean-Claude Blanc has kept a line of dialogue open with Zinedine Zidane. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos and Blanc, the chief executive of its sports arm, have long been admirers of the former Real Madrid manager. That level of Champions League success is naturally what Ineos is aspiring to at Manchester United.
This isn’t to say that Zidane is set to take over at Old Trafford in the summer, but it is a connection the group is naturally keeping open.
It similarly feeds into the feeling around Erik ten Hag’s future. Virtually everyone is saying it is up in the air. Ineos is monitoring everything and consulting, and will make the decision it best sees fit.
Inside the power battles at the heart of the new Manchester United
Manchester derby results
11:18 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City have won five of their last six games in all competitions against Manchester United. Their only loss in that time came in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in January 2023.
Ratcliffe’s first Manchester derby
11:08 , Mike Jones
Today’s match is the first Manchester derby since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a co-owner of Manchester United and took over their footballing operations.
When the deal completed he said he wanted to knock Manchester City “off their perch” within three years and described their 4-0 win over Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League semi-final as “the best football I’ve seen”.
Will Ratcliffe get his wish earlier than expected with a United victory this afternoon?
What’s happening in the title race?
11:00 , Mike Jones
Premier League leaders Liverpool moved four points ahead of Manchester City and ensured their lead would remain in tact following the latest of late winners in their clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
It was a controversial goal following an earlier refereeing error but Darwin Nunez leapt highest in the box to nod home Alexis Mac Allister’s cross and earn Jurgen Klopp’s men a valuable three points.
City are now seeking to close the gap but face a potentially tricky encounter against Manchester United. Though seeming in-and-out of form Erik ten Hag’s men have the capabilities of making things difficult at the Etihad Stadium but they will need to turn up in their best form.
The Red Devils could decide the fate of the Premier League if they take points from City today.
Elsewhere, Arsenal face Sheffield United on Monday night and hope to close the gap on Liverpool as well.
Erik ten Hag demands apology from Fulham over Bruno Fernandes TikTok video
10:49 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag has told Fulham that they should apologise for posting a video of Bruno Fernandes that mocked them and insisted they were “totally out of order”.
Fulham put a clip on Tiktok of the Manchester United captain writhing in apparent pain after a challenge by Sasa Lukic during their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday with the caption “so glad he’s ok”.
Erik ten Hag demands apology from Fulham over Bruno Fernandes TikTok video
Guardiola warns about Manchester derby emotions
10:41 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must not be distracted by emotions in Sunday’s derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
City, who won 3-0 at Old Trafford in October, are second in the Premier League, four places above United and four points behind leaders Liverpool whom they are determined to catch.
Any drop in points could be costly in the title race though today’s encounter may not be as easy as first expected. Though City are unbeaten in 18 games, United have lost only once in this calendar year.
“What I learn from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm, relax, don’t talk about many things,” Guardiola said.
“Just focus on tactics and what you have to do to beat them, not about emotions – because emotions will be there, without doubt.”
Man City vs Man Utd prediction
10:32 , Mike Jones
Being the more dominant side in Manchester in recent years, and with home advantage, makes Manchester City the odds on favourites to get a win today. Liverpool’s last-ditch winner against Nottingham Forest also adds to the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men who will hope to continue their fine form with a spanking victory over their city rivals.
United on the other hand could use this match as a stepping stone to end the season on a high. Victory would propel them into the contest for a top four spot though defeat would leave them 11 points adrift of Aston Villa.
Overall though it is difficult to look past the reigning Premier League champions who should cruise to a comfortable victory.
Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United.
Man City vs Man Utd predicted line-ups
10:23 , Mike Jones
Though both managers have injuries in their squads to deal with, the teams should be fairly strong this afternoon. City will have the edge in terms of quality especially as United’s defence looks far from stable.
Here’s how we see the teams lining up today:
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Stones; Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford
Early team news for Man City vs Man Utd
10:15 , Mike Jones
Manchester City will be without Jack Grealish, who Pep Guardiola fears will not be back until after the international break later this month.
Erik ten Hag should have an unchanged squad from which to pick, having allayed injury fears around Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane by declaring both fit to feature. Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all unavailable, while Rasmus Hojlund will be back later in March from a muscular problem.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website
First appeared on sports.yahoo.com