Man City vs Man United: Premier League – team news, start time and lineups

Manchester Derby Set for High-Stakes Showdown as Guardiola and Amorim Seek Early Season Momentum

Manchester City and Manchester United are preparing for an early-season derby clash that already feels significant for both clubs. The game takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 14 at 4:30pm local time, with City and United each looking to gain traction after inconsistent starts to the season. Both teams have invested heavily in their squads, but it’s the goalkeepers who are drawing attention ahead of kickoff. City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to replace Ederson, who recently departed for Fenerbahce. While Donnarumma could make his debut in this match, manager Pep Guardiola has indicated he won’t demand the same ball-playing style from the Italian that Ederson was known for. James Trafford has started the first three league games but may now make way. United, meanwhile, brought in Belgium’s Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, but manager Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will continue in goal. Andre Onana was sent on loan to Trabzonspor this week after an underwhelming spell. Amorim stated that Lammens will need time to adjust, while also calling him a long-term option for the club. City’s recent form includes back-to-back league defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, raising concerns about squad depth and cohesion. United, on the other hand, followed a loss to Arsenal with a draw against Fulham and a narrow win over Burnley, needing a late penalty from Bruno Fernandes. They also suffered a League Cup exit at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby Town. In terms of injuries, City will be without striker Omar Marmoush, who picked up a knee injury while on international duty with Egypt. Phil Foden and John Stones are also doubts. United are missing Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount. With Cunha out, Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line for the first time since his move from RB Leipzig. This will be the 196th Manchester derby. United have the edge historically with 79 wins to City’s 61. Last season, United won the corresponding fixture at the Etihad 2-1 thanks to a late surge, and City haven’t beaten United in their last four meetings across all competitions. Both managers are feeling the pressure to deliver. Guardiola is managing a post-title era transition, while Amorim is attempting to implement a new system and culture at Old Trafford. With Champions League fixtures looming, a positive result on Sunday could be a turning point for either side.

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Onana Joins Trabzonspor on Loan

Manchester United’s Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has completed a season-long loan move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Onana’s future at Old Trafford was in doubt after United signed Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for 21 million euros (£18.2 million) plus add-ons. The 29-year-old Onano joined United from Inter Milan in 2023 for an initial 51 million euros plus a potential four million euros in add-ons and ended his first season with an FA Cup winners’ medal. But Onana’s increasingly erratic performances and clashes with manager Ruben Amorim last season left his position in doubt. A hamstring injury prevented Onana from being involved with the team during pre-season and he made a mistake in his first game of the campaign in United’s humiliating League Cup exit at Grimsby. The arrival of Lammens was the final straw. “Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has joined Trabzonspor on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, subject to international clearance and registration,” United confirmed in a statement. “The move has been completed ahead of the Turkish transfer window closing on Friday. We would like to wish Andre good luck,” the club statement added. United return to action after the international break with an away trip to rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

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Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes Misses Penalty Before Emile Smith Rowe Cancels Out Controversial Opener

Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial first-half penalty as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham, with Emile Smith Rowe’s second-half equaliser cancelling out a contentious own goal that initially put the visitors ahead. United, under early pressure after a season-opening defeat to Arsenal, looked set to claim their first Premier League win of the season after Rodrigo Muniz inadvertently turned the ball into his own net just before the hour mark. But the goal sparked controversy, with United defender Leny Yoro appearing to push Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey in the back as he rose for the header that deflected in off Muniz. “He is lucky to get away with that,” said Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on co-commentary, while Bassey told the broadcaster: “When the ref looks back on it, he will be disappointed.” Penalty Miss Adds to United’s Frustrations The drama had begun earlier in the first half when referee Chris Kavanagh, following a VAR review by Darren England, awarded United a penalty after Calvin Bassey was penalised for fouling Mason Mount at a corner. However, in the same phase of play, Luke Shaw was also seen bundling over Muniz — an incident that went unpunished. As Fernandes stepped up to take the spot kick, he was inadvertently bumped by Kavanagh, disrupting his preparation. The United captain proceeded to blaze the penalty over the bar, aiming for the top left corner. “It upset me because the referee didn’t apologise,” Fernandes said post-match. “That’s what triggered me in that moment, but that’s not an excuse for missing the penalty.” Smith Rowe Salvages Point for Fulham Fulham grew into the game after falling behind and were rewarded for their persistence when Emile Smith Rowe, recently signed from Arsenal, coolly slotted home an equaliser in the 76th minute after a flowing move down the left flank. The result leaves Manchester United winless in their opening two Premier League fixtures, with pressure beginning to mount on new head coach Ruben Amorim. Match Stats What’s Next?

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Ruben Amorim: Manchester United will be different this season and I’m excited

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes fans can expect a transformed team this season, powered by a dynamic new £200m attack and a renewed sense of belief at Old Trafford Ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Fulham on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports from 4pm, Amorim sat down with Sky Sports News to share his thoughts on the club’s evolution, his approach to criticism, and why this year feels completely different A new-look attack: Sesko, Cunha, Mbeumo After a difficult 2024/25 season in which United scored just 44 goals, only three teams scored fewer, United splashed nearly £200m this summer on forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo Amorim is already impressed “I felt Sesko was even better than what I was thinking,” he said, “He’s football-obsessed, and I believe he’s going to be our striker for many, many years” With Cunha and Mbeumo both offering versatility across the frontline and behind the striker, Amorim is confident this trio will provide the spark United lacked last season The spirit is different After finishing a disappointing 15th last term, Amorim admitted there were moments he entered matches with anxiety, This season, he says, the feeling is gone “Last year, sometimes I was worried going into games, but now I’m excited, it is completely different,” Amorim said “We suffered together so much last season, and that can bond people, The spirit is really good” He added that the arrival of new players, combined with the re-opening of the club’s training ground and a fresh internal culture, has revitalised the mood in the dressing room “The guys feel more free, They weren’t here during the very difficult moments, so they see something different” Responding to pressure: you have to be like a monk Amorim has already had to face scrutiny after goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a costly error in the season opener against Arsenal, leading to a 1-0 defeat Rather than dwell on mistakes, Amorim is trying to shield his players from the intense media spotlight “The only way to protect myself and my players is to tell them not to see anything, You have to be like a monk,” he said “Altay made one mistake, but last year he had very good performances, I try to tell that to the players and battle the narrative” The long-term plan: in three years, win the title While some fans are hoping for immediate success, Amorim is more measured in his expectations “We are not in a moment where we can say we’re fighting for the league,” he admitted “But success is winning titles, and we want to do that, Not necessarily this season, but in three years we want to win the Premier League” For now, his focus is on small steps, game-by-game preparation, entertaining football, and consistent performances “We want to dominate games, score goals, and not bore our fans, If we tick those boxes, we will be better” Super Sunday test vs Fulham United’s new-look side heads to Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat to Arsenal and kick-start their Premier League campaign With Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo leading the line, Amorim believes this season could be the beginning of something special “I’m really happy, not just with Sesko, but with Cunha, Diego Leon, and Mbeumo, We know we have the players, and now we’re building the base” Watch Fulham vs Manchester United

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Bruno Fernandes Leads Manchester United to Commanding Europa League Victory

Manchester United secured a dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, with captain Bruno Fernandes delivering a standout performance. Fernandes opened the scoring with a composed penalty in the 37th minute and added a second goal just before halftime, giving United a comfortable lead heading into the break. ​ The match saw Athletic Bilbao reduced to ten men, which Manchester United capitalized on to assert their dominance. Fernandes’ leadership and clinical finishing were pivotal in exploiting the numerical advantage and setting the tone for the match.​ This victory places Manchester United in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. The team’s performance, highlighted by Fernandes’ brace, showcases their determination to progress to the Europa League final.​ Fernandes’ contributions in this match underscore his importance to the team and his ability to perform in crucial moments. His brace not only secured the win but also boosted the team’s morale as they aim for European glory.​ The second leg promises to be an exciting encounter, with Manchester United looking to maintain their advantage and secure a spot in the final. Fans will be eager to see if Fernandes can continue his impressive form and lead the team to success.​ As the Europa League progresses, Manchester United’s performance in this match serves as a statement of intent. With Fernandes at the helm, the team appears poised to make a deep run in the competition.​ The upcoming fixtures will test the team’s resilience and consistency, but with leaders like Fernandes, Manchester United fans have reason to be optimistic about their European campaign.

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