City head to Old Trafford on Sunday facing a Manchester United side who have developed an unwanted habit of starting Premier League games slowly.
Michael Carrick’s side have conceded six goals across their opening three league matches, with three arriving inside the first 15 minutes. The numbers make interesting reading ahead of Erling Haaland’s visit. United have conceded those six goals from just 4.1 expected goals, with only three Premier League sides having let in more so far.
Everton provided the latest example last weekend. United conceded twice from outside the penalty area in the 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ stoppage-time equaliser.
Haaland arrives in ominous form. The Norwegian has five goals in three games this season after scoring both in Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Porto.
His record against United isn’t bad either. Haaland has scored eight goals in seven Premier League appearances against them, with only Mohamed Salah and Alan Shearer managing more against United in the competition.
Only two of those eight have come at Old Trafford, however, and United won this fixture 2-0 last season in Carrick’s first game back in charge as interim manager.
City therefore know better than to expect an easy afternoon. But United have started slowly this season, and Haaland has started quickly. They will not want to give him a head start on Sunday.
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.
