Man City vs Man United, PL 2024-25: One of the biggest fixtures in world football takes centre stage as Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, December 15.
This Manchester derby comes at a pivotal juncture in the Premier League season, with both teams striving to rectify inconsistencies and secure crucial points.

Manchester City, currently fourth in the standings, have endured a torrid run of form with only one win in their last ten games across all competitions. Their 2-0 defeat to Juventus in midweek further compounds their struggles. Pep Guardiola’s side has been leaking goals and faces the added challenge of a mounting injury crisis.
Manchester United, sitting 13th in the table, have also underwhelmed this season. Despite recent struggles in the Premier League, they secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League. Manager Ruben Amorim is still finding his footing in the league, but a derby win could be a statement of intent.
With both sides desperate for points and pride, the stage is set for a fiercely contested clash.
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Kickoff Time:
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Pep Guardiola’s City side has been uncharacteristically vulnerable, plagued by defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion. The Citizens have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last ten games and are struggling to keep clean sheets.
Erling Haaland, City’s talisman, has faced supply issues but remains their main attacking threat. The return of Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic from injury offers some hope for City fans, but Guardiola will need a near-perfect performance to arrest their alarming slump.
For Manchester United, inconsistency on the road has been their Achilles' heel. Despite Rasmus Højlund’s heroics in midweek, the Red Devils remain winless in their last five Premier League away fixtures.
Their defense has been porous, and Andre Onana’s unconvincing displays have drawn criticism. Amorim’s tactical nous could be key, as United will aim to replicate their counter-attacking success from past derbies. However, with multiple key players out of form, a collective effort will be required to secure a result.
Manchester City Injury List:
Manchester United Injury List:
Manchester City:
Formation (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Joško Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.
Manchester United:
Formation (3-4-2-1): Andre Onana; Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Yoro; Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mazraoui; Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount; Rasmus Højlund.
Despite their struggles, Manchester City’s firepower at home and superior derby record give them the edge. However, Manchester United could exploit their defensive vulnerabilities if Højlund and Fernandes deliver.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United