Kevin De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby ended in a whimper as the two teams played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford and settled for a point each.
The hosts started as the stronger team by utilising their pace on the counter-attack with Patrick Dorgu and Alejandro Garnacho developing a fine partnership on the left wing. Dorgu had a decent chance halfway through the first half but lifted a shot over the top.
Earlier Omar Marmoush, who perhaps had City’s best opportunity in the first half, saw his effort deflected by Harry Maguire before Casemiro sent an effort into the arms of Ederson.
A dull match continued in the second half with neither team pushing hard to get the victory. Phil Foden was clear in the box and poked a chance wide before both goalkeepers were called into action. Bruno Fernandes said United lacked ‘a killer instinct’ and everyone watching one would agree.
Relive the action from Old Trafford in our live blog below:
Man Utd vs Man City LIVE
- Man Utd draw with Man City in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 78’ SAVE! Ederson denies Zirkzee before Mount follow is blocked (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 65’ SAVE! Onana palms Marmoush’s free kick wide of the target (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 48’ CHANCE! Foden gets clear but pushes a shot wide (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 39’ CHANCE! Casemiro shoots from the edge of the box but finds Ederson (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 27’ SHOT! Dorgu blazes one over the top from the left (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 18' CHANCE! Marmoush gets in behind but his shot is blocked by Maguire (MUN 0-0 MCI)
Manchester United FC 0 - 0 Manchester City FC
Lacklustre Manchester derby encapsulates why this is United’s ‘worst season in history’
20:00 , Mike JonesThey traded songs about Manchester City being the best team in the world and Manchester United having won the lot. Call it wishful thinking, nostalgia or simply a distraction from a dull, dismal derby as mediocrity and mundanity ruled at Old Trafford. The 196th derby simply illustrated the slide in standards on both sides of Manchester.
An afternoon notable for the presence of iconic greats – Eric Cantona in the stands, Kevin De Bruyne in the City forward line – was a reminder of what these clubs have been. Now they are 13th and fifth. If City finish any lower and fail to reach the Champions League, the five points dropped against United this season will appear particularly costly. “I prefer to have 10 more points or 20 more but it is what it is,” shrugged Pep Guardiola. “Old Trafford is Old Trafford.”
Manchester derby encapsulates why this is United’s ‘worst season in history’
Can City get back to the top?
19:45 , Mike Jones"It will take time, the players gave everything today,” said Pep Guardiola.
"We will prepare for the upcoming games, there are a few things I'm happy with what I saw, but now we need to achieve the target of qualifying for Champions League then next season is next season."
Guardiola on how City improve:
19:41 , Mike Jones"The players know it. There is a process when the ball is on one side the players need to be in the right position. Today that was not good enough.
"Against a 5-4-1 it's so narrow and congested. We should have been in some positions that we tried to get in but weren't good enough to punish them.
"The last games we much much better, back four better, just our process was not [good] but we know that, when we lose the ball in certain positions they are a strong team and punish you, but we knew that.”
Reaction from Pep Guardiola:
19:37 , Mike Jones"We have the control but not in the right spots to hurt them in the first half, a little better in the first minutes of the second half.
“United have been an incredible transitional team, defend agaisnt us deep, with Garnacho and the pace they have. They link inside, they know perfectly what they have to do. But we take the point, I'd prefer to win but we are there.”
Reaction from Mateo Kovacic:
19:33 , Mike Jones"Not a beautiful game to watch. It was tough. They were aggressive in the mid block so it was tough to find the right spaces to play. It was tough to create chances and we had to be careful with the counter attack because they are good going forward. It was a typical derby. We wanted the win but we take the point and move on.
"We always go for the win but we also had to be careful not to lose it because we are in a battle for the Champions League and we need points. We could have done more going forward and creating more but it was tough with the small spaces. We move on to the next games.
"We have to have the same mindset for Champions League [as going for the title] because it is important that Man City are in the competition next season.
"It will be tough until the end because there are many teams that fight for the top four and no game in the Premier League is easy. But we are confident that we can achieve it."
Fernandes on De Bruyne's impact on Premier League:
19:27 , Mike Jones"De Bruyne made the Premier League better. If City is where he is and Manchester United haven't won many trophies in this period, that is because of Kevin. He deserves all the credit, he has done fantastic.
"Ten years in the Premier League is a lot. Kevin keeps being world class and it was a pleasure to watch him so close, it was a pleasure to play against him and he's going to stay in the history of the Premier League, not only of Man City."
Fernandes on how United improve:
19:22 , Mike Jones"It is not these games that will define that. Whenever we play big teams, we know the pressure and attention is there. If we want to be a big club, like Manchester City and Liverpool, we have to do that consistently. If after today we relax and think that this is enough, we go back again. We have to do this consistently.
"It can't be like it was in the past, a lot of things have changed, with VAR, everything. With VAR, you can't do that.We can't be as rough as we want in the duels. Everything have changed."
Reaction from Bruno Fernandes:
19:17 , Mike Jones"Happy with the performance but we need points. We played against a very good side but the game was there, we needed a killer instinct to get the goals. When you play against Manchester City, you know they will have a lot of the ball. The killer instinct was missing but we created a lot of chances.
"We have to be carry on. Not just for the rest of the season but everything that comes after.
"We know that I will get more attention than others because I am the captain and I need to be at a level every time I go on the pitch. Effort will never be missing and that has to be my main thing to show to the other players.”
'We need to fight for big things'
19:13 , Mike Jones"If you look at the moment of both teams, not fighting for titles, that changes the game completely.
"The feeling of winning, not being able to lose one point, that feeling is not here.
“As the coach it's hard to say that. We need to fight for big things, if we do then the feeling will be completely different."
'I'm not naive or crazy' says Amorim
19:08 , Mike Jones“I'm not naive or crazy, I can see the moment we are in, I can look at the opponents and understand there is a big gap, but as a leader I cannot say we are going to take all of the time to close the gap.
"Even if we bring in more players we have to hurry and show urgency to do better because we don't have much time at a club like this. We are in a rush.”
Amorim on where United need to improve:
19:03 , Mike Jones"We have so many aspects to improve. Everywhere we need to improve in every aspect, build up, transition, decisions in the final third.
“Every player can improve, they are here because they showed something at other cubs.
“They have the quality, we are still a team that plays on transition, we need to spend more time in final third to have more opportunities."
Ruben Amorim on Sky Sports:
18:59 , Mike Jones"I think we had some chances to win the game. We tried to use the space in transitions, defending in a low block, but we had our chances.
"We had some moments with the ball, we pushed City into their half, we were closer to a goal but we can accept a draw. We were closer to the goal, they had more posession but that is normal.”
Man Utd fans protest after the game
18:55 , Mike JonesThere is a sit in protest happening from the Manchester United fans.
It was arranged in advance by the 1958 group and is protesting the ownership group.
Chants of "we want the Glazers out" and plenty of banners are strewn around the middle of the lower tier of the Stretford End.
The grievances largely concern the increase in ticket prices without consultation.
Reaction from Gary Neville on Sky Sports:
18:48 , Mike Jones“I think the congratulations and love-in that I'm watching says both teams are happy with a 0-0.
“The best Man City and Man United teams would be very disappointed with the way they've approached the end of that game.
“It looks like it's Sunday afternoon and they're going to go for a roast dinner together now.
“They're micromanaged to an inch of their lives, so robotic and it's symptomatic of a lot of games that we're watching nowadays.
“I'm disappointed, it's a Manchester derby, it should have more blood, thunder, and risk and courage involved in playing the game and winning the game than that.”
Full-time! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:23 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Goalless.
The points are shared and this dour game comes to a close with a whimper.
One point each.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:19 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Perhaps one moment to change the outcome of the game?
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:14 , Mike Jones85 mins: Five minutes left to play and the signs are all pointing to a goalless draw.
A dour note to end Kevin De Bruyne’s experience of this derby unless someone, somehow, can conjur up a surprise.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:11 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the final 10 minutes of the match now and still nothing to separate the two teams.
Will there be some late drama?
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:06 , Mike Jones78 mins: Save!
Huge moment. Patrick Dorgu comes downt he left with the ball and picks out Joshua Zirkzee in the box.
He fires a shot at goal only for Ederson to punch it away on the dive.
The ball comes to Mason Mount who has to reshuffle his feet before shooting but that allows Rico Lewis enough time to close him down and block the second attempt.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
18:02 , Mike Jones75 mins: More changes.
Ilkay Gundogan and Nico O’Reilly are off with Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish brought on.
Will these substitutions make a difference?
'Is there drama to come?'
18:00 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“There have been plenty of dramatic Manchester derbies in recent years not least December's turnaround at the Etihad.
“Is there any drama to come in this one? Joshua Zirkzee is coming on, which may provide an answer.
“So is Mason Mount, who got injured against City earlier in the season.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:59 , Mike Jones72 mins: Close! Bruno Fernandes sends the ball down the right wing to find Casemiro.
He pulls the ball back out to the edge of the box where Manuel Ugarte rattles a shot just wide of the goal.
Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee are now introduced with Rasmus Hojlund and Ugarte himself taken off.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:57 , Mike Jones69 mins: Kevin De Bruyne strides over to take a corner for Man City.
He lifts it into the box and sees the ball header away. It drops for Omar Marmoush who smokes a first time effort at goal.
Onana denies him again and pushes the ball to Nico O’Reilly but the City man is offside.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:52 , Mike Jones65 mins: Save!
City win a free kick about 25-yards or so from goal. Omar Marmoush takes it and lifts the ball over the wall.
There’s enough dip on it to take the ball under the crossbar meaning Andre Onana has to leap to his left and push the ball wide.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:51 , Mike Jones63 mins: Patrick Dorgu drills a low pass into the box as Ruben Dias dives to stop the ball from reaching Rasmus Hojlund.
He blocks the ball and there’s a big roar for handball but the ball hits him on the chest and then the chin before his teammates clear their lines.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:48 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played at Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes whips a corner into the box.
Josko Gvardiol leaps high and heads the ball clear near the back post.
Ruben Amorim looks thoughtful on the sidelines. He may believe this match is there to be won.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:45 , Mike Jones57 mins: The first changes of the game take place now.
Jeremy Doku replaces Phil Foden for Man City with Victor Lindelof taking the place of Harry Maguire for Man Utd.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:41 , Mike Jones54 mins: A rare pacey break forward from City sees De Bruyne collect the ball on the right wing.
He cuts inside and laces a shot into the arms of Andre Onana.
A chorus of ‘Oh Kevin De Bruyne!’ is chanted by the visiting fans.
'City have no penalty-box poacher'
17:39 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“United defending relatively deep, which is how some of their best results under Ruben Amorim have come.
“One way to flourish in a packed penalty area is to have a very tall man with a brilliant goalscoring record.
“Without Erling Haaland, however, City have no penalty-box poacher. They haven't had enough incision at all.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:38 , Mike Jones51 mins: City are more alive and alert at the start if the second half which may point to a more promising 45 minutes of football.
The hosts have to silence them again and halt the gaining momentum.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:36 , Mike Jones48 mins: Bruno Fernandes drifts out to the right and is given the ball.
He takes it to the byline before dinking a cross into the arms of Ederson.
Not one of Fernandes’ better passes.
At the other end of the pitch, Omar Marmoush spins and pokes the ball into the box where Foden collects it.
He shoots but the ball is sent wide at the last moment. Close one.
Second half! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:33 , Mike JonesMan City restart the match. Neither manager has made a change at the halfway point.
Kevin De Bruyne was the magician who brought personality to the Man City machine
17:30 , Mike JonesKevin De Bruyne came to Manchester City as their record signing and will leave as their greatest ever player. “Every story comes to an end,” he said, announcing his summer departure. A coda to the last chapter has long seemed obvious. Manchester, he said, will forever be in his family’s hearts and a version of him will surely forever be around the Etihad Stadium. De Bruyne is likely to be immortalised in bronze, celebrated in a statue.
Opponents can admire him there, safe in the knowledge their defence will not be unlocked by an act of extraordinary brilliance. As Pep Guardiola reacted to De Bruyne’s decision, the City manager underlined how productive an artist has been. “I read today that he's been involved in 280 goals and assists,” said Guardiola.
Kevin De Bruyne was the magician who brought personality to the Man City machine
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:25 , Mike JonesManchester City had 62% possession in the first half and had four shots with one on target.
Their xG was a paltry 0.14 while Man Utd’s wasn’t much better at 0.38.
At least United challenged Ederson a couple of times.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:22 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:18 , Mike JonesNot a great deal to write home about from those 45 minutes.
Goalless and not very thrilling. Hopefully we get a contrasting second half.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:15 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:12 , Mike Jones42 mins: Ruben Amorim will be the happier of the two managers.
Man City have offered very little, United have at least tried to get on the front foot and challenging the goal.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:11 , Mike Jones39 mins: Dorgu threads a pass across the box which finds Dalot.
He looks to cut it back to Fernandes who leaves it as Casemiro arrives.
Casemiro shoots and gets the ball through the defence but Ederson is on hand to scoop it up without too much trouble.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:06 , Mike Jones36 mins: The Old Trafford faithful are in full voice which is providing a nice backdrop to some less than thrilling football.
It’s all a bit tepid and slow as United look to remain solid against the better quality of City and try to hurt them on the break.
An injection of creativity or even a goal is needed to liven up proceedings.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:02 , Mike Jones33 mins: Andre Onana comes to meet Phil Foden’s delivery but gets nowhere near the ball.
Instead it is flicked on to the back post where Noussair Mazraoui clears the danger for Man Utd.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
17:01 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played at Old Trafford and no goals.
No proper chances to speak of either with Garnacho’s fumbled attempt probably the best of them.
City just haven’t been able to put it together in the final third but they win themselves a corner.
'An open game'
17:00 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“An open game, in part because neither side has the capacity to close it down.
“City have two midfielders at full-back. It feels a little odd that Nico Gonzalez was benched.
“United been fairly enterprising but lacking quality in the final third, particularly from Patrick Dorgu when Alejandro Garnacho set him up.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:58 , Mike Jones27 mins: Shot!
Fernandes chest the ball to Hojlund who feeds Garnacho into space.
The Argentine moves it forward and plays it back to his captain who feeds Dorgu into space on the left side of the box.
Dorgu shoots but smokes his effort over the top!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:54 , Mike Jones24 mins: Dare I say it but there are signs that Ruben Amorim is imposing a style of play on Manchester United.
They look decent trying to break past City and Dorgu, Garnacho and Fernandes are forming a nice trio.
Garnacho, who has switched to the right, is fed the ball by Fernandes. He runs into the box and pulls it back to Dorgu arriving from the opposite wing.
The wingback should get off a shot but takes a heavy first touch and gives the ball away.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:51 , Mike Jones21 mins: Close!
A lovely switch from Garnacho finds Diogo Dalot on the right wing.
He brings the ball under control and lifts a cross into the middle.
Manuel Ugarte misses it with an attempted header which potential hinders Garnacho’s vision.
The ball drops to him but he fumbles an attempt to either head or volley the ball and ends up scuffing it to the nearest defender.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:48 , Mike Jones18 mins: Chance! Nico O’Reilly takes the direct option with a long ball forward.
Omar Marmoush collects it gratefully and pokes the ball into the box. He shoots but Harry Maguire gets back in time to block it.
The ball goes out for a corner which Kevin De Bruyne swings into the box. There’s a scramble for the ball before Rasmus Hojlund clears it.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:45 , Mike Jones15 mins: Casemiro chips a nice pass up the pitch and picks out Rasmus Hojlund.
He nods the ball into the penalty area and holds off Ruben Dias only for Josko Gvardiol to arrive on his right and nick the ball off him.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:42 , Mike Jones12 mins: Foden is down after tangling with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro. The latter lunged into a heavy tackle and the City midfielder has an issue.
The physios are called for and there’s a break in play.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:40 , Mike Jones9 mins: Other than Garnacho’s dart in behind it’s been a rather sedate start to this match.
City are trying to gain some control and force United deeper but so far the hosts’ defence has been up to the task of keeping them quiet.
Phil Foden takes a shot from the edge of the box after cutting inside from the right but he pulls his effort wide of the nearest post.
'Guardiola likes to spring surprises'
16:37 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Pep Guardiola likes to spring a surprise in big games and may have done so again by fielding Kevin De Bruyne as a centre-forward.
“Something for United's three centre-backs to ponder, especially if he doesn't play up against them.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:36 , Mike Jones6 mins: Now it’s Man City’s turn to assert some control on the ball.
They work it over to Bernardo Silva on the right win g but he’s forced backwards.
Nico Reilly receives the ball and finds Kevin De Bruyne who will be hoping to impress on his final Manchester derby.
He’s only lost one of these matches at Old Trafford.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:33 , Mike Jones3 mins: That foul on Garnacho was just outside the box with the Argentine appealing for a penalty.
The decision from the referee to give a free kick was the correct one and a good spot from David Brooks.
Fernandes takes the free kick and drills it into the wall where Omar Marmoush deflects it behind for a corner which Man City deal with.
Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
16:31 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes gets the ball rolling at Old Trafford as the referee signals for play to begin.
The Red Devils work the ball around at the back before a slick move sees Patrick Dorgu send the ball up to Rasmus Hojlund.
He flicks it on for Alejandro Garnacho to sprint up the pitch.
He gets to the edge of the box and is brought down by Ruben Dias who is booked. Quick start!
Man Utd vs Man City
16:25 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.
Kevin De Bruyne leads out Manchester City for the final time in this derby ahead of his exit from the club this summer.
Bruno Fernandes has the armband for Man Utd. Both clubs have underperformed this year but this match tends to bring out the best in one of them.
Who will it be today? Kick off is up next...
Match facts
16:20 , Chris WilsonFor City, six defeats in their last 11 top-flight away matches (W3, D2) is as many as they had suffered in their previous 37 combined.
The away team has won 10 of the last 18 league meetings between these sides. Since the 2015-16 campaign, the only Premier League fixture with more away wins is Crystal Palace versus Liverpool (12).
Shaw returns for United
16:18 , Mike JonesOne of the positives for Manchester United today is the fact that Luke Shaw is on the bench.
Ruben Amorim spoke ahead of kick off and mentioned the experience that Shaw can bring to the young team but says the defender will only be able to manage ‘a few minutes’.
'Guardiola may have shown a sentimental streak'
16:11 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Pep Guardiola may have shown a sentimental streak, starting Kevin De Bruyne in what will prove his final Manchester derby.
“With Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan also playing, it is an aged midfield. And as they are up against Casemiro, this may prove a particularly slow clash in midfield.
“Meanwhile, the lesser-spotted Luke Shaw is back on the bench. The stakes have been huge in some Manchester derbies.
“Not this one, even though City are trying to qualify for the Champions League.”
Head-to-head
16:05 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 195 times, with United winning 80, City winning 62 and 53 ending as draws.
Earlier this season, United grabbed a comeback win with two goals in as many minutes – including a brilliant winner from Amad – as they won 2-1 at the Etihad.
Match facts
16:00 , Chris WilsonUnited are aiming to go four matches without defeat against City for the first time since January 2010 to February 2011.
They have lost 13 times in the Premier League this campaign, one short of their club record of 14, set last season.
Ruben Amorim ‘in a rush’ to restore Manchester United’s glory days as he sets title timeline
15:55 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim declared that he is in a rush to bring back the glory days to Manchester United but said he would not be crazy enough to think they will win the title next season.
United are 13th as they prepare for Sunday’s Manchester derby but Amorim is adamant they will be much better next year as he insisted he is trading short-term pain for some gain.
Chief executive Omar Berrada launched ‘Project 150’, United’s plan to try and win the Premier League title by their 150th anniversary in 2028, but while Amorim said he does not have a timetable, he will not ask for time and is putting pressure on himself to succeed soon.
Ruben Amorim ‘in a rush’ to restore Man Utd’s glory days as he sets title timeline
Match facts
15:45 , Chris WilsonManchester United are aiming to complete their first league double over Manchester City since the 2019-20 campaign.
City's nine away wins at Old Trafford is the most by any side in the Premier League. Five of those victories have come under Pep Guardiola, the most of any visiting manager in the competition.
United and City face off in lowest-calibre Manchester derby for decades
15:35 , Chris WilsonWelcome to Manchester, to borrow a hackneyed phrase. Although the invitation may seem less enticing than it has for quite some time.
“This, without a shadow of a doubt, will be the global capital of football in the rest of the 21st century,” said the mayor, Andy Burnham, last year. He may yet be proved right and the Everton supporter was talking in the context of a new Old Trafford and an expanded Etihad Stadium. But not now.
If Madrid has had a stronger case to be the world’s footballing capital over recent years, Manchester could have regarded itself as England’s unofficial centre. Some 21 of the 32 Premier League titles have gone to Manchester, an era of United dominance followed by one of Citysuperiority. Its twin halves have converged on London for the 2023 and 2024 FA Cup finals. Since the Premier League was founded, United and City have a combined 64 trophies.
Man Utd and Man City face off in lowest-calibre derby for decades
Man City line-up to face Man Utd
15:18 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Marmoush
Your derby day lineup! 😤🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 6, 2025
XI | Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Marmoush
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Grealish, Doku, Nico, Reis, Savinho, Khusanov, Lewis, McAtee#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/DQaCLoHpOY
Man Utd line-up to face Man City
15:17 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Fernandes
Presenting your derby day Reds 👊🔥#MUFC || #MUNMCI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 6, 2025
Team news
15:10 , Chris WilsonWe’re expecting the line-ups to come in five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the team news...
Man United’s injury woes have eased since the international break, with defensive pair Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire both making their return in United’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest. Amad Diallo, the matchwinner in the Etihad clash, is among the long-term absentees that will miss out, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Ayden Heaven also unavailable.
For Man City, Erling Haaland is out after picking up an ankle injury in their FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth. In-form Omar Marmoush will likely start in his stead, a first Manchester derby for the Egyptian. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silvaand Kevin De Bruyne will all be fresh having been unused substitutes in the 2-0 win over Leicester and will be expected to feature in some capacity.
Kevin De Bruyne was the magician who brought personality to the Man City machine
15:05 , Chris WilsonAnd before we get to the team news, a tribute to City’s retiring Belgian...
Kevin De Bruyne came to Manchester City as their record signing and will leave as their greatest ever player. “Every story comes to an end,” he said, announcing his summer departure. A coda to the last chapter has long seemed obvious. Manchester, he said, will forever be in his family’s hearts and a version of him will surely forever be around the Etihad Stadium. De Bruyne is likely to be immortalised in bronze, celebrated in a statue.
Opponents can admire him there, safe in the knowledge their defence will not be unlocked by an act of extraordinary brilliance. As Pep Guardiola reacted to De Bruyne’s decision, the City manager underlined how productive an artist has been. “I read today that he's been involved in 280 goals and assists,” said Guardiola.
Even more. In a decade, De Bruyne has scored 106 times for City, made a further 176 goals. He predated Guardiola by a year but no one has ever made more goals for the Catalan’s teams than the Belgian, with 161.
Kevin De Bruyne was the magician who brought personality to the Man City machine
MLS or Saudi? Options for Kevin De Bruyne’s next club after Man City
14:55 , Chris WilsonKevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City is coming to an end.
De Bruyne will go down as one of the all-time Premier League greats after a glittering 10-season spell under Pep Guardiola‘s spell, becoming the focal part of a team that embarked on an era of domestic and European dominance.
The Belgian has so far made 413 appearances for the Citizens during a glory-laden tenure, in which he’s scored 106 goals, notched 174 and racked up a trophy cabinet players can only dream of - with six Premier Leagues and a Champions League title among the 16 trophies he won during his time at the Etihad.
MLS or Saudi? Options for Kevin De Bruyne’s next club after Man City
Kevin De Bruyne confirms Man City exit with emotional statement
14:40 , Chris WilsonKevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a decade with the club.
De Bruyne, 33, enjoyed a glittering 10-season spell under Pep Guardiola, becoming the focal part of a team that embarked on an era of Premier League dominance.
The Belgian has won 16 trophies since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, including six league titles as well as a famous club-first Champions League in 2023.
Kevin De Bruyne confirms Man City exit with emotional statement
Is the match on TV?
14:30 , Chris WilsonWhen is Man United vs Man City
The Manchester derby is due to kick off at 4:30pm BST at Old Trafford in Manchester.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel starting from 4pm BST.
Prediction
14:22 , Chris WilsonYou don’t need to have been meticulously keeping up with the Premier League this season to know United are in a bit of a state. Languishing in 13th, their season is all but over. City, meanwhile, are in need of points to keep pace in the fiercely competitive race for Champions League. They have more to play for and they are simply the better the team - the factors point towards a City win.
Man United 0-2 Man City
Predicted line-ups
14:17 , Chris WilsonMan United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Man City XI: Ederson; Nunez, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savio, Silva, Foden; Marmoush.
Team news
14:12 , Chris WilsonFor Man City, Erling Haaland is out after picking up an ankle injury in their FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth. In-form Omar Marmoush will likely start in his stead, a first Manchester derby for the Egyptian. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will all be fresh having been unused substitutes in the 2-0 win over Leicester and will be expected to feature in some capacity.
Team news
14:10 , Chris WilsonMan United’s injury woes have eased since the international break, with defensive pair Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire both making their return in United’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest. Amad Diallo, the matchwinner in the Etihad clash, is among the long-term absentees that will miss out, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Ayden Heaven also unavailable.
Man Utd vs Man City LIVE
14:05 , Chris WilsonManchester City lock horns with city rivals Manchester United in a derby that could prove crucial in their hunt for Champions League football.
City will seek to avenge a shock defeat when United paid visit to the Etihad Stadium in December, with two late goals in two minutes from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo flipping the contest on its head as the Red Devils came out 2-1 victors.
The visitors are still reeling off the emotional revelation that Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club at the end of the season after a glory-laden decade-long spell with the club.
But Pep Guardiola will need to put that to one side at Old Trafford as they look to strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot as the Premier League season enters its climax.
New Manchester United stadium could stage games at 2035 Women’s World Cup – FA
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester United’s proposed new 100,000-capacity stadium could stage matches at the 2035 Women’s World Cup, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has said.
The United Kingdom is all but certain to host a first football World Cup since 1966 after the four-nation plan to stage the women’s finals in 10 years’ time was confirmed as the sole bid by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday.
Bullingham said the four associations would be “really comfortable” if the finals were expanded to 48 teams, which is possible under the bidding regulations published by FIFA. That would likely require 16 venues, which Bullingham believes would allow the tournament to create more impact across the four nations.
He said it was the “assumption” Wembley would host the final but admitted the 10-year lead-in meant a number of new stadia, including United’s new ground, could feature.
New Manchester United stadium could stage games at 2035 Women’s World Cup – FA
Ruben Amorim ‘in a rush’ to restore Manchester United’s glory days as he sets title timeline
13:30 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim declared that he is in a rush to bring back the glory days to Manchester United but said he would not be crazy enough to think they will win the title next season.
United are 13th as they prepare for today’s Manchester derby but Amorim is adamant they will be much better next year as he insisted he is trading short-term pain for some gain.
Chief executive Omar Berrada launched ‘Project 150’, United’s plan to try and win the Premier League title by their 150th anniversary in 2028, but while Amorim said he does not have a timetable, he will not ask for time and is putting pressure on himself to succeed soon.
Ruben Amorim ‘in a rush’ to restore Man Utd’s glory days as he sets title timeline
Manchester United are desperate for goals and a surprise solution could make derby impact
13:15 , Richard JollyIn a week when one Manchester club lost a forward, another gained one. Manchester City were stripped of Erling Haaland but Manchester United repurposed Harry Maguire, sending him on in attack in the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
But for Murillo’s injury-time goal-line clearance, it would have seemed an inspired change by Ruben Amorim. As it is, it may look like a move that stemmed more from desperation than inspiration.
A Manchester derby will occur without a player with two hat-tricks in them, plus the scorer of probably the most celebrated goal of Amorim’s time at Old Trafford: Amad Diallo delivered a dramatic winner at the Etihad Stadium. It was both an anomaly – Amorim’s other best Premier League results are arguably draws, against Liverpool and Arsenal – and typical: United’s goalscorers that day were Bruno Fernandes and Amad.
Neither is a striker. Indeed, Fernandes has often operated in central midfield for Amorim while Amad has not played at all for eight weeks. And yet they are United’s two top scorers in the Portuguese’s reign.
Man Utd are desperate for goals and a surprise solution could make derby impact
I’ll be back – Manchester City striker Erling Haaland makes injury vow
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’ll be no Erling Haaland for Manchester City today, of course, with the striker set to miss perhaps as much as seven weeks of action. But the Norwegian has pinched the line of another terminator as he sets his sights on a return:
I’ll be back – Manchester City striker Erling Haaland makes injury vow
Pep Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Kevin De Bruyne after Man City exit news
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoylePep Guardiola feels Kevin De Bruyne’s glittering Manchester City career has been “extraordinary”.
The Belgium playmaker announced on Friday he would leave City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
In a glorious decade at the club, the 33-year-old has won 16 trophies, including six Premier Leagues and the Champions League, and scored 106 goals and made 174 assists in 413 appearances.
Yet after two seasons of declining returns due in no small part to injury problems, both club and player have come to an acceptance that the time is right to part ways.
City manager Guardiola said: “There are players who are unique, who represent what the club wants to be, and Kevin is one of them.”
Pep Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Kevin De Bruyne after Man City exit news
I got lucky in previous wins over Manchester City, admits Ruben Amorim
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleRuben Amorim feels fortune was on his side in previous meetings with Manchester City and knows Manchester United need to be more than “lucky” if he is to overcome Pep Guardiola for a third time this term.
Sunday’s Old Trafford clash is the most low-key derby in years, with the Red Devils 13th in the table and the previously all-conquering visitors fighting for a Champions League spot in fifth.
City won an unprecedented four Premier League titles in a row before struggling for coherency and consistency this season, with the nadir being a rotten end to 2024.
Amorim inflicted two of City’s nine defeats during a 12-game period, with November’s stunning 4-1 Champions League win with Sporting Lisbon followed by overseeing United’s 2-1 turnaround at the Etihad Stadium the following month.
I got lucky in previous wins over Manchester City, admits Ruben Amorim
United and City face off in lowest-calibre Manchester derby for decades
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleDerby day is always special in Manchester, but could this be the lowest-calibre meeting between these two for decades? Richard Jolly makes the case...
Man Utd and Man City face off in lowest-calibre derby for decades
Man Utd vs Man City LIVE
12:00 , Chris WilsonGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Manchester derby in the Premier League.
City enter the game looking to consolidate a place in next season’s Champions League, while United are simply playing for pride as they start the weekend in 13th.
We’ll have all the latest team news and updates here.
