In the midst of a horror run, Manchester City will hope the rivalry and rancour of derby day can provide a lift as Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won just once in their last 10 games with both their Premier League title challenge and hopes of qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds taking a significant blow. To make matters worse, Guardiola is facing a defensive crisis this afternoon with Rico Lewis suspended and several other regular starters out, leaving the Catalan coach to consider radical solutions to spark a turnaround in form.
For Ruben Amorim, this will be a first taste of a famous fixture as the Portuguese manager continues to search for his best system and side. Amorim was pleased with the fight his team showed in the Europa League win on Thursday night but a mixed record since his arrival reflects the teething problems evident throughout his tenure so far. Can he become only the sixth manager to win their first Manchester derby in the Premier League era?
Follow all of the latest from the Manchester derby in our live blog below:
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
United’s first foray forwards ends with Mazraoui being flagged for offside despite some nice work from Mainoo in the box.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:41
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
United get the second half started at the Etihad.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:39
HALF-TIME! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
Both sides are emerging from the tunnel again, so we’ll be back underway soon.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:37
HALF-TIME! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
A curious half in Manchester, with both sides looking nervous and some very disjointed play in attack.
Even City’s goal prompted an irritate reaction from Guardiola, who was maybe annoyed at the short corner routine. The goal was fortuitous, but they’ve been the better of the two sides and will be fully aware of the lack of United threat if they can keep the game like this in the second half.
For United, it’s a remarkably similar situation – they’ve played okay at times but have lacked anything in attack. 42 per cent of their conceded goals this season have come from corners, apparently.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:33
HALF-TIME! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:27
HALF-TIME! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
De Bruyne could arguably shoot from here, but the angle is tight…
He opts to clip a cross to Foden, but it runs to Ugarte and the half ends.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:22
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
Another ridiculous moment from Dalot as he fires a diagonal pass right near the United area, and Foden narrowly misses out on taking it under control.
City attack again and Foden wriggles in between two challenges before his shot deflects off Maguire and forces Onana into making a save.
From the corner, Martinez brings down De Bruyne for a free-kick right on the left-hand edge of the area.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:21
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
De Bruyne wins a cheap free-kick off Ugarte and there’ll be another chance to swing a set-piece into the box.
He overhits the cross and it’s straight out of play.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:19
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
There’ll be at least four minutes of added time here.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:17
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
Amad is flagged offside, for what is at least the third time this half. From the attack, Haaland is penalised for a foul on Ugarte near the United box.
Chris Wilson15 December 2024 17:16
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