Five key battles that could decide the Manchester derby

City head to Old Trafford on Sunday with a perfect Premier League record under Enzo Maresca and another early test of their new-look side.

Manchester United’s start has been less convincing, but Michael Carrick’s side showed enough going forward in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Everton to offer a warning.

Thursday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah will have lifted confidence further. Here are five areas which could shape Sunday’s derby.

Haaland against the United defence

Erling Haaland goes into the derby after scoring both goals in City’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Porto on Tuesday.

United have already conceded six times in their opening three Premier League games, including two long-range efforts at the Hill Dickinson last weekend.

Stopping the service into Haaland will be one of Carrick’s priorities. Give him the chances Everton were afforded and City will fancy their chances.

City’s protection against the counter

United looked dangerous when they attacked quickly at Everton and Carrick again praised his side’s work in transition after Thursday’s win over Sabah.

City will expect to have plenty of the ball at Old Trafford, which puts the emphasis on what happens when they lose it. Maresca will not want United running into space behind his midfield and full-backs.

It is an area Coventry were able to exploit at times last weekend.

Can City keep Bruno Fernandes quiet?

Bruno Fernandes remains United’s main creative influence and already has three Premier League goals this season.

He can hurt City through the middle but is equally capable of releasing runners early when United regain possession.

Enzo Fernández could have an important role. City’s £125m summer signing has settled quickly, and Sunday offers another test of the control Maresca wants from his midfield.

The Sesko question

Benjamin Sesko has given Carrick a decision to make.

The striker scored from the bench against Everton before starting and scoring in Thursday’s 4-0 victory over Sabah. He played 64 minutes as United continued to manage his return following almost three months out with a shin injury.

Carrick has highlighted Sesko’s physicality, pace and ability to run behind. The question now is whether he is ready to start again at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Maresca v Carrick

Maresca has won his opening three Premier League games and followed them with victory at Porto, although City have not had everything their own way.

Coventry caused them problems last weekend before Haaland settled the game, while Porto made Tuesday night’s Champions League opener uncomfortable for long periods.

Old Trafford is another step up in intensity. It is Maresca’s first Manchester derby as City boss, against a manager who already knows what it takes to win one.

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