The international break is over, so Manchester United are preparing to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
When the Premier League fixtures were announced for 2025/26, one of the first games of interest to Manchester United fans was the Manchester derby.
A lot has happened since then, as both United and Man City have struggled since the beginning of the season.
While United have four points from their first three league matches, City have managed just three points from one win over Wolves.
Ruben Amorim will be aiming for back-to-back wins after United’s 3-2 victory over Burnley before the September international period. That would inflict more misery on Pep Guardiola and give United a four-point cushion over their local rivals.
Anthony Taylor alongside Rasmus Hojlund and Kyle Walker
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Referee for Man City vs Man Utd
The officials have now been announced for the September 14 fixture when United visit the Etihad Stadium.
Anthony Taylor has been appointed as referee for the derby, a fixture he has plenty of experience officiating in.
Taylor managed his first Manchester derby in 2018 and he has since continued to feature as a leading official in the fixture, despite his origin in Wythenshawe, which is just six miles away from Old Trafford.
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That controversy led to Taylor declaring support for non-league outfit Altrincham.
The most recent derby involving Taylor was the dramatic encounter last December, when United came from behind to win 2-1 at the Etihad.
The Reds will be hoping for a similar result this weekend.
Match assistants for Man City vs Man Utd
The following assistants have been appointed for the game by the Premier League.
Assistant Referee: Gary Beswick
Assistant Referee: Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Simon Hooper
VAR: John Brooks
VAR Assistant: Neil Davies
It’s often the case that controversy occurs in derby matches, so all eyes will be on the officials and how their decisions impact the outcome of the match.
Fourth official Simon Hooper was the referee for United’s opening game of the season against Arsenal, a game that had no shortage of questionable decisions.