Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has highlighted the importance of goalkeepers in the upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Man United will travel to the Etihad Stadium for their Premier League Matchday 4 appointment with Man City.
The Red Devils registered a 3-2 win over Burnley in their previous Premier League outing. The Cityzens, meanwhile, lost 2-1 away at Brighton & Hove Albion, recording their second consecutive league defeat.
Despite their poor recent form, Manchester City are 4/5 with football betting sites to win the derby on Sunday.
When life gives you Lammens… 🇧🇪
Welcome to the club, Senne 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Abp9aWWrHd
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2025
We could see two goalkeepers make their debuts in the Manchester derby. Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day and Manchester United brought in Senne Lammens.
In his Man City vs Man Utd prediction, Sutton said the derby could be decided by Pep Guardiola’s and Ruben Amorim’s goalkeeper choices.
Chris Sutton Makes Interesting Man City vs Man United Prediction
“I can see Bryan Mbeumo hurting City, with United counter-attacking and him being a thorn in their backline chasing balls in behind,” wrote Sutton in his BBC column.
“I am also not as convinced by City if James Trafford keeps his place in goal. So, I think United will definitely score, but I still cannot go against City at Etihad Stadium because we know they will create chances there.”
He continued:
“It is a massive week for them, with Napoli visiting in the Champions League on Thursday before they head to Arsenal next weekend, and of course people are going to judge them on these results. After losing two of their first three league games, this week could decide if they are in the title race, or if they are ruled out of it.
Donnarumma is a Blue. pic.twitter.com/8FJYbloHnW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 11, 2025
“I don’t want to keep bringing up the goalkeeper but City’s chances of getting the results they need will definitely be improved if new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma is in goal because right now they need a big presence there, and Trafford doesn’t give them that.”
On the goalkeeping situation, he added:
“The same position is a huge call for United boss Ruben Amorim on Sunday too, but in a totally different way. United signed Senne Lammens ahead of Villa’s Emi Martinez, who has definitely got the kind of presence that brings confidence to his defence the same way Donnarumma does.
We know Lammens has got these amazing save statistics, but there is much more to being Manchester United’s goalkeeper than that. Is he ready to be United’s keeper or not? If Amorim picks Bayindir over him against City, then people are going to scrutinise that decision.”
Prediction: Man City 2-1 Man Utd
Man Utd vs Man City Head-to-Head
According to Man City vs Man United stats, there have been 196 Manchester derbies in all competitions. The Red Devils have won 80 matches, Man City 61, and there have been 55 draws.
Here is the breakdown by competition:
| Competition | Played | Manchester City (W) | Draw | Manchester United (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 56 | 20 | 10 | 26 |
| Football League First Division | 104 | 30 | 39 | 35 |
| Football League Second Division | 12 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| FA Cup | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| EFL Cup | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| FA Community Shield | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 196 | 61 | 55 | 80 |
Manchester United had the upped hand over Manchester City in the derbies last season. Ruben Amorim’s side beat Pep Guardiola’s team 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium before holding them to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
