The 2026/27 Premier League season is already beginning to produce plenty of drama, and all eyes are now turning towards Old Trafford for one of English football’s biggest fixtures — the Manchester derby.
Manchester United Face Major Test Against City
Manchester United will welcome Manchester City on Sunday in what promises to be a major early-season test for both clubs.
United have endured a mixed start to their league campaign, suffering a surprise defeat against newly promoted Hull City before recording a 5–2 victory over Ipswich Town and drawing 2–2 with Everton.
However, Michael Carrick’s side received a significant confidence boost during the week when they returned to Champions League action with an impressive 4–0 victory over Sabah. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martínez were among the goalscorers.
Benjamin Sesko’s return to scoring form is particularly encouraging for United. The Slovenian striker recently returned from a lengthy injury absence and has now scored in consecutive matches. Carrick believes his pace, physical strength and ability to run behind defenders can provide United with an important attacking weapon against City.
Manchester City Arrive in Strong Form
City go into the derby with a perfect start to the new Premier League campaign.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, City have won all their matches so far, although the team is still adapting to a new tactical system and several summer arrivals.
Erling Haaland remains one of the major threats United will have to contain. City will be looking to maintain their winning run and strengthen their early position at the top of the table.
Arsenal Set the Early Pace
While the Manchester clubs prepare for their huge encounter, Arsenal have made one of the strongest starts to the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their opening three Premier League matches and also recorded a Champions League victory over Napoli during the week.
Arsenal now travel to Sunderland on Saturday, with another victory potentially keeping them firmly among the early title favourites.
Pressure Mounts on Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur are facing a very different situation.
Spurs remain without a Premier League victory after their opening three matches and have yet to score in the league. The slow start has increased pressure on manager Roberto De Zerbi following a major summer spending campaign.
Tottenham host Everton this weekend, making the match an important opportunity for De Zerbi’s team to finally get their season moving.
Liverpool Look to Continue Their Progress
Liverpool are also attracting attention after beginning to find their rhythm.
They face Fulham at home this weekend, with Fulham having conceded seven goals in their opening three league matches. Liverpool will see the fixture as an opportunity to build momentum and remain involved in the early title race.
A Weekend Full of Questions
The Manchester derby may be the headline fixture, but several other games could have a major impact on the early Premier League picture.
Arsenal will attempt to maintain their perfect record, Liverpool will look to continue their improvement, while Tottenham desperately need a result.
For Manchester United, however, Sunday’s derby could provide the clearest indication yet of whether Carrick’s team can challenge near the top of the Premier League this season.
With City arriving in perfect form and United desperate to make a statement, the stage is set for another memorable Manchester derby.
Football fans will not want to miss this one.
