---
title: "Enzo Maresca makes admission ahead of first Manchester derby as City boss"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/09/09/enzo-maresca-manchester-derby-man-utd/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-09-09T08:22:34Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T19:04:46Z"
---

# Enzo Maresca makes admission ahead of first Manchester derby as City boss

**Enzo Maresca has admitted Sunday’s trip to Manchester United will “probably” represent his biggest test yet as [City](https://readmancity.com/) manager.**

The Italian could hardly have asked for a better start after replacing Pep Guardiola, with Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Porto making it four wins from four in all competitions.

Now comes his first Manchester derby.

## Maresca excited for first Manchester derby

Asked after the Porto victory whether Sunday’s game at Old Trafford would be his biggest test so far, Maresca replied: “Probably.”

It is difficult to argue.

City negotiated their opening three Premier League fixtures before [passing their first European examination in Porto](https://readmancity.com/2026/09/08/man-city-porto-match-report/), but a trip across Manchester brings something different.

Maresca certainly sounds as though he is looking forward to it.

“Now it’s a matter of recovery, and then we prepare for Sunday’s game,” he said. “I’m very excited for that – but first recovery.”

That recovery will be important after a demanding night in Portugal, with City having little time to turn their attention towards United. Their start has at least given Maresca some early momentum. City have won all four games, and [the manager believes his side are improving with each one](https://readmancity.com/2026/09/09/enzo-maresca-man-city-improving-porto/).

Old Trafford is the next one.

Four wins from four is an excellent start. Number five would mean a little bit more.

*For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our [LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments](https://dave.sport/live/premier-league-2026-2027-season-updates/) page.*