Manchester’s 199th derby arrives at Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September, with Manchester City perfect so far and their new manager Enzo Maresca ready for the particular noise of this fixture.
Manchester derby: Maresca ready for Old Trafford test
SEO title: Manchester United v Manchester City: Enzo Maresca prepares for first derby
SEO description: Enzo Maresca takes Manchester City to Old Trafford for his first Manchester derby, with City unbeaten and Nico O’Reilly available.
In the dressing room
| Fixture | Venue | Date | City team news |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United v Manchester City | Old Trafford | Sunday, 13 September | Nico O’Reilly fit; Jérémy Doku still absent |
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola during the summer, will take charge of City in the derby for the first time. The Italian has made clear that the occasion matters beyond the usual three points, particularly to the club and the supporters.
“It is important for several reasons,” he said. “It is a derby, and that makes it especially significant for the club and its fans.”
City travel across town having won every match at the start of the campaign, but Maresca does not intend to alter the side’s approach for the occasion. His message is that City must carry their own game into one of English football’s most demanding away grounds, then live with whatever the final score brings.
“The most important thing is to be ourselves,” he said. “After that, we will see the result.”
A manager who knows derby days
Old Trafford will be new territory for Maresca in this rivalry, though not in the wider business of local grudges. He pointed to previous experience of Olympiacos against Panathinaikos, Juventus against Torino and Sevilla against Real Betis as evidence that derby pressure is familiar territory.
“They are all special matches for supporters, staff and everyone involved,” Maresca said. “I want these games. I enjoy these games.”
He has played down the personal angle of a maiden Manchester derby, insisting that the team and the travelling City support occupy his thoughts rather than his own landmark afternoon. Winning, naturally, remains the aim, but he framed it as part of City’s broader task of continuing their early-season run.
There is one encouraging selection note for the English champions: Nico O’Reilly has recovered and can be considered for the trip. Doku, however, needs a few more days before his fitness issue is resolved.
The week ahead now narrows to Old Trafford, where a flawless City start meets the old obligation of derby day. Maresca may be new to this particular fixture, but Sunday will offer little time for introductions once Manchester starts keeping score.
