Chris Sutton backs this Man United star to be ‘thorn in Man City’s backline’
Man United are expected to cause Pep Guardiola’s side some damage when Man City welcome their rivals to the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola is under pressure at Man City, just three matches into the 2025-26 campaign, following back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break.
Similarly, at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim’s future as Man United boss is already on the line, with the Manchester derby representing a huge chance for either manager to make a statement.
Recent history would suggest that anything could happen on Sunday, 14 September, with each team winning two of the last five meetings, and the last clash ending in a goalless draw.
Bryan Mbeumo tipped to play a major role in the Manchester derby
Looking ahead to the game, Chris Sutton has put in his early predictions, and while he expects City to eventually claim three points, he believes Bryan Mbeumo could cause some problems in the final third.
“I can see Bryan Mbeumo hurting City, with United counter-attacking and him being a thorn in their backline chasing balls in behind,” he said to BBC Sport (11 September).
“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.”
United are currently higher up the Premier League table after three games, beating Burnley and drawing with Fulham, but that could quickly change once football resumes this weekend.
What is Bryan Mbeumo’s record against Man City?
During his time at Brentford, the 26-year-old winger became one of the most important players under Thomas Frank, notching 70 goals and 45 assists in 242 appearances.
Mbeumo’s talent earned him his move to Man United this summer, but if he is to play a big role against Man City, he will need to improve his current record against them.
In five games against Guardiola’s side, he has notched just one assist. Despite that, he has been on the winning side twice, and drawn once, with the Bees often causing the Citizens a lot of trouble.
He will be keen to use his electric pace and trickery to push the defenders back, and after his goal against Burnley, that could just be the beginning of his Premier League campaign.