Manchester United are preparing for a derby against Manchester City on Sunday, with Michael Carrick's attacking players making their case for minutes. The last meeting between the sides was Carrick's first match in charge, a 2-0 win.
City boss prepares for first derby
City manager Enzo Maresca will take charge of his first Manchester Derby, having lost 2-1 at Old Trafford with Chelsea in September 2025. He comes into the match after a hard-fought European victory over Porto.
United have won just one of their first three league matches, so even a victory on Sunday would not lift them above City. "Results-wise, it hasn't been the start we wanted, we wanted more points in the league," Carrick admitted after the Sabah victory.
Deco explains Rashford decision
Marcus Rashford reached double figures for goals and assists at Barcelona last summer, yet the club chose not to make his loan permanent. Instead, they signed his England team-mate Anthony Gordon, with sporting director Deco explaining why.
"One of the things we saw that was difficult last year was the fact that, when we were without Raphinha, the team's energy seemed to drop," Deco told Marca. "We looked at many wingers, but signing players in the Premier League is almost impossible, you see the figures involved."
"He (Gordon) was the profile that best fit. The great advantage is that the players are excited to come to our project."
Gabriel's pathway mapped out
JJ Gabriel impressed in pre-season but is still awaiting his competitive debut. Academy coach Adam Lawrence discussed the teenager's progress after his hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League.
"JJ is surrounded by people that really believe in him," Lawrence said. "From the top of the club right the way through. Where he's been at the club for so long, he's got good relationships with the players, with the staff."
"Over the course of time that helps as well. At the moment just in terms of his game, his games programme, his training programme, making sure that he's getting the right exposure across different levels."
"We're obviously not perfect but it's definitely something we put a lot of thought into. So yeah, it's good to see him just enjoying his football and in a good place for sure."
