There are a lot of derbies in the football world, but one that stands out among the rest is Manchester City vs Manchester United, which is also called the Manchester derby.
Both teams faced each other in the first derby of the 2025/26 season, the 198th time they have faced each other in the Premier League. Manchester United and Manchester City came into the game with new goalkeepers, Senne Lammens and Gianluigi Donnarumma, respectively, who they signed on the deadline day of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Both sides battling not just for bragging rights but also for crucial points in the Premier League title race, the encounter had all the ingredients of a classic. From tactical battles between Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim’s to standout individual performances, the match kept fans on the edge of their seats and added another memorable chapter to the fierce rivalry between the blue and red halves of Manchester.
However here are the five talking points from Manchester City vs Manchester United(1) Manchester City’s Attack:
The strength of any Pep Guardiola team lies in its attack, whether through wingers or forwards. Manchester City’s attacking prowess was a significant factor that set them apart from Manchester United, as demonstrated when Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden combined to score the match’s opening goal.
(2) Gianluigi Donnarumma:
The arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad could be a pivotal reason why Manchester City is competing with Arsenal and Liverpool for the Premier League title. The Italian goalkeeper has shown the ability to organize his defense effectively during Manchester United’s attacks or set-pieces, which will be crucial as the season progresses.
(3) Erling Haaland:
The Norwegian international scored the second goal of the game, proving once again why he is considered one of the best forwards in the world. He has now directly contributed to 10 goals in Premier League Manchester derbies, surpassing Wayne Rooney, who had 9. While Rooney played in 21 Premier League derbies, this was only Erling’s sixth.
Haaland has also marked his 50th goal in his 50th home Premier League game for Manchester City. In the history of the competition, only Alan Shearer reached 50 goals in fewer home appearances, achieving the feat in 47 games.
(4) Manchester United’s Blunt Attack:
Ruben Amorim has struggled to bring out the best in his team despite significant investments in the attacking department. In the summer of 2025, United brought in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, but there have been no significant improvements in their attacking play.
(5) Ruben Amorim:
One individual who may soon receive a termination letter is the Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim. Manchester United endured their worst campaign in over four decades during the 2024/25 season, finishing in 16th place. This season has mirrored that struggle, as United has failed to find their rhythm in the league, particularly highlighted by their defeat against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, which could be a reason for his potential dismissal.
Manchester United will hope to regain their form when they host Chelsea at Old Trafford, while Manchester City will look to maintain their winning streak as they face title contenders Arsenal.
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