Manchester United host Manchester City in the first 2026/27 Premier League meeting between the rivals. Here is the U.S. broadcast information and match preview.
Match: Manchester United vs Manchester City
Competition: Premier League
Kickoff: 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, September 13, 2026
Broadcast: Fubo, Peacock, Telemundo and NBCSN
Match Overview
The opening Manchester derby of the season finds the two clubs on sharply different paths. Manchester United finished the 2025/26 campaign strongly under Michael Carrick but have made a less convincing start to the new campaign. A defeat against Hull City and a draw with Everton have already cost the hosts important points, making this home match a crucial opportunity to restore momentum.
Manchester City, by contrast, have begun the season without defeat. Alongside Arsenal, they are the only teams to have won all three league matches, while conceding just two goals. City also completed their midweek European fixture two days before United, giving Enzo Maresca’s players additional recovery time. The visitors will look to extend their winning run with a dominant performance against their rivals.
Tactical Analysis and Match Context
The difference in early-season form is striking. City arrive at Old Trafford with an unbeaten domestic record and a commanding display in Europe, while United have conceded in all three league matches and dropped points against one of the league’s relatively more difficult opening schedules. Carrick’s side will need to respond quickly if they are to steady their campaign.
The tactical contest is expected to feature City’s possession-based approach against an United attack that has shown enough quality to cause problems despite inconsistent performances. City lead the league with 71.9% average possession and intend to control matches through their fluid 4-2-3-1 formation. United, meanwhile, rank second in expected goals and first in total shots, suggesting that they have been generating sufficient chances even when results have not gone their way.
For City, the objective is straightforward: preserve their perfect start and strengthen their position at the top of the table. Victory at Old Trafford would provide an emphatic statement. United face greater pressure, but a positive result in front of their home supporters could help reverse their early form and provide momentum for the remainder of the season.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Trends
United hold the advantage in the rivalry’s long-term record. Across 198 official meetings, the Red Devils have recorded 81 victories compared with City’s 63, with 54 matches ending in draws.
City have become more competitive in recent meetings. Over the previous five fixtures across all competitions, United won twice, City once and two matches ended level. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, the home side won each derby: City earned a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium before United responded with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford. United remain unbeaten in their last two Premier League derbies at home.
Recent encounters have generally been tightly contested. The last five derbies averaged 2.0 goals per match, and both teams scored in only two of them. That record points to the possibility of another tactical and closely balanced contest.
Squad News and Projected Lineups
Manchester United face several availability concerns, while Manchester City appear to have a deeper and healthier selection of players.
Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton remain unavailable for United. The fitness of Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo is also uncertain, restricting Carrick’s choices. Marcus Rashford has resumed training and could return to the starting lineup, offering an important boost to the attacking unit.
City have fewer injury concerns. Jeremy Doku is expected to miss the match, while Nico O’Reilly remains a doubt after missing the previous game. Enzo Maresca otherwise has a strong squad available, with new signing Enzo Fernández already integrated into the team’s system.
Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha
United’s projected formation relies on Bruno Fernandes’ creativity, with Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo providing pace wide. Matheus Cunha is expected to lead the line and look for opportunities against City’s defense, while Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo must help limit the visitors’ control in midfield.
Manchester City Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Guéhi, Dias, Gvardiol; Fernández, Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Ndiaye; Haaland
Erling Haaland remains the focal point of City’s attack. Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye provide creativity in advanced midfield positions, while Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson are expected to regulate the tempo from central areas. Rúben Dias anchors a defense that has been highly effective this season.
Fubo is listed at $14.99 per month and supports viewing through web browsers, mobile devices, tablets and smart TVs. Peacock, Telemundo and NBCSN are the other listed U.S. broadcast options.