The Manchester derby has dominated the City agenda today, with Enzo Maresca facing the media before his first meeting with United as manager.
Elliot Anderson’s “kings of Manchester” comment inevitably came up, while Maresca provided updates on Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku. He also responded to United’s shorter recovery time before Sunday, while details emerged in Paris concerning the violent robbery suffered by Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2023.
Maresca on Anderson’s Manchester claim
Anderson described City as the “kings of Manchester” following his summer move from Nottingham Forest, a claim Michael Carrick rejected this week. Maresca, though, said he understood why his 23-year-old midfielder sees it that way.
“I think Manchester City was unbelievable, what they achieved,” said Maresca. “If you go back, it’s a different picture, but for me the reason he said that is because when he grew up Manchester City was dominant.”
O’Reilly fit, but Doku misses derby
Maresca confirmed O’Reilly has recovered from the back problem which kept him out against Coventry and Porto. “Nico is 100% available,” he said.
Doku will not make the trip to Old Trafford as he continues his recovery from the calf injury suffered in the Community Shield. “Jeremy, I think he needs some more days,” said Maresca, with our Man City injury and fitness tracker updated following Friday’s press conference.
Maresca responds to Carrick
United played in the Champions League on Thursday night, two days after City’s 2-0 win at Porto, and Carrick admitted the turnaround before Sunday’s derby was “not ideal”. Maresca pointed out that City faced the same situation last season when playing Napoli and Arsenal in quick succession.
“Sometimes it happens in football. I don’t have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready for that,” he said.
Donnarumma robbery details emerge
Away from the derby, details have emerged during a criminal court hearing in Paris concerning the violent robbery suffered by Donnarumma and his wife Alessia Elefante in July 2023. The City goalkeeper was playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the time.
According to Donnarumma’s witness statement, he was struck in the face with a knuckle duster and threatened with a knife after masked men entered the couple’s home. Elefante, who was pregnant at the time, told investigators she was also assaulted.
Old Trafford next
City head to Old Trafford with three wins from three in the Premier League after victories over Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry. Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at Porto made it four successive wins in all competitions since the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, with every result available in our Man City fixtures and results tracker.
Sunday now brings the 199th competitive Manchester derby and Maresca’s first as City manager. Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 4.30pm.
Keep across all the latest stories from City and around the division with our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
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