Manchester derbies rarely need much help in creating a sense of occasion, but City head to Old Trafford tomorrow with plenty that feels different.
The rivalry hasn’t changed. Neither has the importance of beating United. But this is no longer a City side being tweaked around the edges. Enzo Maresca is reshaping it and tomorrow will be another big test of the direction he is taking them. His biggest test yet.
New faces in a familiar fixture
The summer brought £125m Enzo Fernández from Chelsea and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a deal worth up to £65m. Both could experience a Manchester derby for the first time tomorrow, with Fernández already taking on a significant role in Maresca’s midfield.
Jeremy Doku won’t be involved because of his calf injury, while Nico O’Reilly is available again after missing the 3-1 Champions League win in Porto with a back problem. There has been a change in the dressing room too. Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma are City’s four ‘captains’ this season.
Maresca’s first Old Trafford derby
But the biggest difference, of course, will be standing in the technical area. Maresca has experienced the Manchester derby as a City assistant coach, but tomorrow will be his first trip to Old Trafford in charge.
His team arrive after an impressive victory in Porto and with Fernandez and Ndiaye among those giving City a different look. United have changed too, adding £70m Carlos Baleba to their midfield, although he won’t be available tomorrow.
Old Trafford will look the same, and the noise certainly won’t be any friendlier. But the City side walking out there is changing quickly.
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