🚨 TEAM NEWS: Ahead of The Derby — The Most Likely Manchester United XI To Face City

Manchester United are preparing for one of the biggest fixtures of the season as Manchester City travel to Old Trafford for the first Manchester derby of the campaign on Sunday.

Michael Carrick’s side head into the clash with renewed confidence after a convincing 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah, but United’s Premier League form remains inconsistent. The Reds have collected just one win from their opening three league matches, making Sunday’s derby a huge test of the team’s progress under Carrick. (Reuters)

With the derby fast approaching, attention is now turning towards the starting XI Carrick could select.

🚨 Latest Manchester United Team News

One of the biggest questions surrounds Luke Shaw.

The left-back missed the Champions League victory over Sabah, but Carrick indicated that his absence was more about managing his fitness rather than a significant injury. Shaw was also seen at Old Trafford for the match and is expected to be available for Sunday’s derby. (Planet Football)

There is also positive news regarding Marcus Rashford. The forward was forced off against Everton but returned to training, with the issue described as nothing major. His availability gives Carrick another important attacking option for the clash with City. (Talksport)

Benjamin Sesko is another player attracting plenty of attention. After returning from a lengthy shin injury, the Slovenian striker has gradually increased his minutes and has now scored in consecutive matches, including United’s 4-0 Champions League win. Carrick has praised Sesko’s pace, physicality and ability to play on the last line of defence. (Reuters)

However, United are still without several players.

Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte and Carlos Baleba are currently unavailable, while De Ligt continues his recovery from a long-term back problem. Baleba is also expected to miss out as he continues his recovery from an ankle issue. (Sports Mole)

🔴 The Most Likely Manchester United XI vs Manchester City

Based on the latest team news and the way Carrick has used his squad, this could be the most likely United starting XI:

GK: Senne Lammens

RB: Diogo Dalot

CB: Harry Maguire

CB: Lisandro Martínez

LB: Luke Shaw

CM: Kobbie Mainoo

CM: Youri Tielemans

RW: Bryan Mbeumo

CAM: Bruno Fernandes

LW: Matheus Cunha

ST: Benjamin Sesko

This is also the XI currently predicted by Planet Football, with Sesko potentially getting the nod at centre-forward after his recent return to form. (Planet Football)

👀 Sesko Could Be The Key

The biggest selection decision could come in attack.

Matheus Cunha started as the central striker against Everton but looked more effective when operating from the left against Sabah. That could encourage Carrick to move Cunha back to his preferred role and use Sesko as the focal point of the attack.

Sesko’s physical presence could be particularly important against City’s centre-backs. His ability to stretch the defence and threaten in behind could create space for Cunha, Mbeumo and Fernandes to exploit.

Carrick has already highlighted the qualities the 23-year-old brings, and his recent goals will only increase the pressure for him to start. (Reuters)

⚔️ A Huge Test For Carrick

Sunday’s derby will be another major test of Carrick’s Manchester United project.

United have shown encouraging signs at Old Trafford this season, scoring nine goals across their two home matches, but City’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign means the visitors will arrive full of confidence. (The Stats Zone)

There is also a significant recovery-time issue. United played their Champions League fixture on Thursday, while City were in action on Tuesday, giving Pep Guardiola’s former club considerably more preparation time ahead of the derby. Carrick has acknowledged that the schedule is far from ideal. (The Guardian)

Nevertheless, Old Trafford will be expecting a huge performance.

For Carrick, this is more than another Premier League fixture. It is an opportunity to show that United are capable of competing with their neighbours again — and potentially provide the first major statement of his permanent reign.

🔴 Possible Manchester United XI

Lammens

Dalot — Maguire — Martínez — Shaw

Mainoo — Tielemans

Mbeumo — Fernandes — Cunha

Sesko

Manchester United vs Manchester City

🏟️ Old Trafford

📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026

⏰ 4:30pm BST

Bring on the derby. 🔴⚔️🔵