Manchester United will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the first local Derby of the 2025-26 season.
Both teams have lot to prove after winning just one Premier League game this campaign.
Manager Ruben Amorim has a fresh headache as he sweats on the fitness of Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount.
Cunha and Mount suffered setbacks in the 3-2 win over Burnley, with the coach taking them off early in the contest.
Dalot suffered muscle discomfort on international duty and had to withdraw from Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers.
The 26-year-old started at left wing-back against Burnley, with Patrick Dorgu waiting in the wings.
He earned an assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal but Dorgu could replace him due to fitness concerns.
United signed the Denmark international from Serie A outfit Lecce in a deal worth £30 million in January.
They had the cheaper option of recalling Alvaro Carreras, but chose instead to back Dorgu’s long-term potential.
The 20-year-old debuted as a right wing-back, though Amorim has mostly used him on the opposite side.
He is a promising talent and has worked hard to bulk up over the summer.
In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, wing-backs play a crucial role in both attack and defence.
Dorgu has shown increasing confidence and intent going forward in recent weeks.
Man City’s right side looks vulnerable, with Matheus Nunes filling in at right-back.
Dorgu will fancy his chances of outmuscling Nunes and firing in dangerous deliveries for towering striker Benjamin Sesko.
It is a great opportunity for the Dane to prove that he belongs at this level.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com