Rashford Returns to Derby Lineup as Anderson Makes City Debut

Rashford returns to the derby

Marcus Rashford is back in the Manchester United starting lineup to face Manchester City. This is his first derby appearance since March 2024. Head coach Michael Carrick named the United academy product in his starting eleven for the big match.

Rashford has a history in this fixture. He scored in his last Manchester derby two years ago, though United lost that game 3-1 at the Etihad. Since then, the forward spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona after falling out of favour under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

Squad changes for United and City

United make several changes to the team that played in Europe. Left back Luke Shaw is out of the squad. He failed to recover from his injury in time after missing the midweek Champions League victory against Sabah FK. Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire return to the defense. They replace Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro, who both started on Thursday. Striker Benjamin Sesko starts on the bench.

For Manchester City, summer signing Elliot Anderson makes his first appearance in this historic fixture. The midfielder joined City from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million transfer. His inclusion means there is no place for youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed on his full debut against Porto on Tuesday.

This is also a major milestone for City manager Enzo Maresca. He is taking charge of his first Manchester derby after replacing Pep Guardiola. Maresca has chosen Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, and Phil Foden to support star striker Erling Haaland in attack.

What it means for the next game

Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League, Sun, 13 Sep): Manchester United win 32%, draw 25%, Manchester City win 43%; expected goals 1.44 to 1.69. Our safest pick: Under 3.5 goals.

Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Carabao Cup, Wed, 16 Sep): Manchester United win 52%, draw 23%, Brighton & Hove Albion win 25%; expected goals 2.00 to 1.36. Our safest pick: Manchester United or Draw.