The Manchester derby on September 14, 2025, sees Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City. Both teams are in an unfamiliar position, needing a positive result after disappointing starts to the Premier League season. Man City is currently 13th in the table, while Man Utd is in 9th.

Man City's Frailties

Despite being the home side, Man City has shown vulnerabilities. After a dominant 4-0 win against Wolves in the opening game, they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham and a 2-1 loss to Brighton. This has led to questions about whether their squad is as strong as it was during their run of consecutive title wins.

Several factors contribute to Man City's current weaknesses:

• Defensive Transitions: City tends to struggle with defensive transitions. When opponents win the ball and launch quick counter-attacks, City can be exposed.
• Intensity and Space: Opponents have found success by exploiting the space around City's midfield pivot and capitalizing on set-pieces. A lack of intensity has also been noted as a weakness.
• Injury Concerns: New injuries to key players like Omar Marmoush have compounded existing issues. Summer signings Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also confirmed absentees, along with Mateo Kovacic. John Stones is a doubt for selection.
• Right-Back and Defensive Midfield: Some argue that City failed to adequately address their need for a quality right-back and a reliable defensive midfielder in the transfer window.
• Loss of Key Players: The departure of Kevin De Bruyne has created a leadership void in the team.

Can Man Utd Expose These Weaknesses?

Manchester United has had their own struggles this season. After an opening-day defeat to Arsenal, they drew with Fulham and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town. However, they managed a 3-2 victory against Burnley before the international break.

Here's how Man Utd could potentially exploit Man City's frailties:

• Dragging the Press: Man City can be vulnerable when their press is dragged high and wide. Man Utd's attackers need to be quick and incisive in their movements to create space and exploit this weakness.
• Midfield Energy: Bruno Fernandes' energy and ability to win second balls in midfield will be crucial. He needs to react quickly in defensive transitions to prevent City from exploiting their opponent's weaknesses.
• Clinical Edge: Man Utd has been creating chances but struggling to convert them. They rank highly for shots in the Premier League but have a negative difference between goals scored and expected goals. For Man Utd to capitalize on City's vulnerabilities, they need to be more clinical in front of goal.
• Defensive Solidity: While Matthijs de Ligt has impressed, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will need to be solid in goal. The defense needs to be wary of conceding corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas.
• Counter-Attacking Prowess: Given City's vulnerability in defensive transitions, Man Utd's pace and directness on the counter-attack could be a key weapon. Players like Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko need to support Bruno Fernandes.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Man City will likely field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Erling Haaland leading the line. Tijjani Reijnders, who has impressed since joining, is expected to partner Rodri in midfield.

Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim has several injury concerns, with Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount all unavailable. Altay Bayindir is set to start in goal, while Kobbie Mainoo could make his first Premier League start of the season. Bruno Fernandes is expected to play in a more advanced attacking midfield role alongside Bryan Mbeumo, with Benjamin Sesko potentially making his full Premier League debut.

Prediction

Despite Man City's recent struggles, they remain a formidable opponent, especially at home. Their superior quality should shine through. While Man Utd has the potential to exploit City's weaknesses, their own inconsistencies and injury problems make it a difficult task.