Manchester Utd vs Manchester City: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite some of the scorelines in the league, the recent results at Wembley suggest that the Manchester Derby will be a closely contested affair on big occasions. The last three meetings at Wembley have ended 2-1 for either side, with Manchester City winning twice.

Erling Haaland and Marcus Rashford will be essential for either side in this season opener. Erling Haaland scored three on his Manchester Derby debut and scored in each game against Manchester United last season. Marcus Rashford scored in the derby at the Etihad last season and on his Manchester debut last season.

Casemiro is likely to be carded in this game. The Brazilian midfielder averaged 1.2 fouls per game, receiving seven yellow cards. The game will be close, but Manchester City will edge the fixture slightly and win 2-1.

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

The season’s curtain opener pits two local rivals in a repeat of the FA Cup final for the second time in three months. In another edition of the Manchester Derby, Manchester City seeks revenge against their local rival, Manchester United, this time with the Community Shield on the line.

Date: 10/8/2024

Location: Wembley Stadium, London.

Kick-Off: 3 pm

The Manchester Derby was an exciting tale of events last season. Manchester City recorded a league double over their city rivals quite convincingly, especially a 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Pep Guardiola’s side piled on more misery at the Etihad by cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s spectacular opening effort early doors.

Wembley plays host to another Manchester Derby, making it the third Wembley meeting between the two sides in a year. The first meeting fell the way of the Premier League Champions on their way to an unprecedented treble. Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring within the first 15 seconds before Bruno Fernandes equalised through a penalty. Ilkay Gundogan secured the second leg of the club’s historic treble with a volley from the edge of the area in the second half.

The two sides then met in the FA Cup final last season, with Manchester United being the perceived underdogs for the cup final against a four-in-a-row-collecting Manchester City side. Erik Ten Hag’s side produced one of their finest performances all season by pressing Manchester City from the first whistle. Manchester United scored two first-half goals through Carrington graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, with a late goal from Jeremy Doku unable to surmount a comeback. The win for Manchester United secured Europa League qualification and thwarted a Premier League and FA Cup double for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola has looked to strengthen his history-making side as Manchester City chase an unprecedented five in a row. Savio was signed following his impressive performance for Girona last season. Manchester United have been active with the recent signings of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee - with deals for Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui potentially on the horizon.

The Manchester Derby will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 15:00 BST

Manchester City Team News

Erling Haaland will be available for Manchester City, having started all their pre-season fixtures, with several figures in line for a return.

Manchester United Team News

Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could feature after returning to training in midweek.

Manchester City has a slight advantage regarding recent meetings in the Manchester Derby. The Citizens have won three out of the previous five fixtures between the two clubs, which included the FA Cup final win in 2023 and the league meeting where Manchester City beat Manchester United 6-3. Manchester United beat Manchester City the last time the two met in the Community Shield in 2011, thanks to a last-minute winner from Portuguese winger Nani.

Manchester City’s pre-season has been less than inspiring from their four games. Manchester City have only won once in their four pre-season games, which was a 4-2 win over Chelsea. Erling Haaland’s preparation for the new season has come on leaps and bounds, as the Norweigan scored six goals in pre-season, including three against Chelsea.

In a competitive aspect, Manchester City ended the season in typical Manchester City fashion by winning their last seven in a row to clinch the Premier League title ahead of Arsenal for another season. Manchester City’s record in the Community Shield has been relatively poor in the last five years, as the citizens have failed to lift the trophy in the previous five years.

Manchester United’s pre-season was slightly better than their city rivals, having won twice in five pre-season fixtures. The most notable victory was a 3-2 victory over Real Betis in which Amad Diallo scored an outstanding goal for Manchester United. Concerns were raised following their previous defeat against Liverpool.

Manchester United ended their season positively with the cup final win, providing their fourth domestic win in seven games at the end of the season. Manchester United finished in eighth last season, their worst finish in Premier League history. The Red Devils' previous league victory over Manchester City was a closely contested affair at Old Trafford, which ended 2-1 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day