Manchester City and Manchester United prepare for one of the season’s biggest derbies, but the spotlight is not on their expensive strikers. Instead, attention shifts to the goalkeepers. City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and United’s Altay Bayindir are set to play crucial roles in Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City
Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain after Ederson Moraes left for Fenerbahce. Pep Guardiola praised Ederson for transforming the goalkeeper role in England, but he stressed Donnarumma brings a different skill set.
Guardiola confirmed he will adapt the team’s style to Donnarumma’s strengths. The Italian excels as a shot-stopper, even if he lacks Ederson’s distribution. Guardiola highlighted his presence in big matches, pointing to Champions League performances as proof of his quality. Whether Donnarumma starts ahead of James Trafford remains undecided, but his debut feels close.
Bayindir’s chance at Manchester United
Manchester United recently signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but manager Ruben Amorim will continue with Altay Bayindir for the derby. Bayindir has shown vulnerability under pressure, especially when replacing Andre Onana. Despite this, Amorim trusts him for the high-stakes clash.
Amorim described Lammens as a player with great potential and a future starter. For now, Bayindir carries the responsibility of protecting United’s goal against City’s relentless attack.
Recent form and head-to-head record
Manchester City come into the game under pressure. They ended their four-year Premier League reign last season and already face doubts after early defeats to Tottenham and Brighton.
Manchester United’s form has also been inconsistent. A late Bruno Fernandes penalty secured a narrow win against Burnley, but the team suffered a League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
In head-to-head meetings, United hold a slight advantage. The last derby ended in a 0-0 draw, while United stunned City 2-1 at the Etihad last season. Across 195 derbies, United have 79 wins compared to City’s 61.
City will miss striker Omar Marmoush, who suffered a knee injury on international duty. John Stones and Phil Foden are also doubts. For United, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount are unavailable, with Benjamin Sesko expected to start in attack.
Predicted lineups
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Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Ake, O’Reilly; Bernardo, Rodri, Reijnders; Bobb, Haaland, Doku
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Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Sesko, Amad
The Manchester City and Manchester United derby could be defined by goalkeepers rather than goal scorers. With both sides under pressure, small margins may decide the outcome.
