Manchester United are gearing up for the 197th Manchester derby and their return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon.
Ruben Amorim picked up a much-needed 3-2 win over Burnley in the last league match before the September international break.
Next up, Manchester United face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium before welcoming Chelsea to Old Trafford six days later.
Amorim is under pressure after a mediocre start to the season, but a win over Pep Guardiola would fill the Red Devils with confidence about the season ahead.
There will be plenty to discuss in Amorim’s team selection for the match, but last season’s trip to the Etihad should rule one player out.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim watches from the touchline during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United star had ‘nightmare’ performance vs Man City
Amorim boasts an impressive record against Guardiola, including going unbeaten against his City side last season.
Early into Amorim’s tenure, United dramatically beat City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, with Amad Diallo scoring a last-minute winner.
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Despite the victory, not every United player was great. In fact, Diogo Dalot had a ‘nightmare’ performance and was United in Focus’ lowest-rated player from the match.
Diogo Dalot was in a terrible run of form at the time, and he struggled to cope with City’s wide threat at the Etihad.
In the last match, Dalot started at left wing-back against Burnley, replacing Patrick Dorgu. However, Amorim might want to rethink about recalling the Danish wing-back on Sunday afternoon.
Diogo Dalot a doubt for the Manchester derby
Over the international break, Dalot pulled out of the Portugal squad, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only United representative in the squad.
Now, the 26-year-old faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s derby, which is another reason for Amorim to leave him out of the starting XI.
Alongside Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, Amorim will have to account for injuries in his team selection.
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While Dalot missed out on Portugal’s matches, Dorgu was brilliant for Denmark over the break and deserves to regain his spot in the squad.
As for the right wing-back spot, Diallo was the match winner in December and he deserves to have another opportunity to make a big impact at the Etihad.