Manchester United and Manchester City have provided updates on their squads ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated derby at the Etihad Stadium. Both sides will head into the clash with key players missing, but there is also some positive news for fans eager to see fresh faces and returning stars.
United will be without Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot for the encounter. Cunha and Mount sustained injuries during the thrilling 3-2 win over Burnley at Old Trafford, while Dalot reported muscle pain during international duty and had to withdraw from Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers. Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the trio’s absence, stressing that while their loss is a blow, the squad remains competitive and ready to step up.
Altay Bayindir will retain his place in goal for United, despite the arrival of new signing Senne Lammers. Amorim expressed full confidence in Bayindir’s ability to handle the occasion, noting that the goalkeeper has been working hard and deserves to continue. Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from a knee operation, but there was a boost with Noussair Mazraoui making his first appearance of the season against Burnley. The Moroccan did not feature during the international break, which could aid his availability for the derby.
On the blue side of Manchester, City will be without Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who suffered a knee injury while away on international duty. John Stones remains a doubt after pulling out of the England squad, but the experienced defender has not yet been ruled out completely.
Pep Guardiola has more positive news regarding several other players. Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly, Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, and Josko Gvardiol are all expected to be fit despite concerns raised earlier in the week. The biggest talking point, however, is the potential debut of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently joined from Paris Saint-Germain. His inclusion could add a new dimension to City’s already formidable squad.
With both teams missing key names but also welcoming important returns, Sunday’s showdown promises intensity, drama, and quality on both sides of the pitch. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive contest as United aim to disrupt City’s rhythm and the Blues look to assert dominance on home turf.
