Manchester United can hand Manchester City a staggering 30-year low in upcoming derby clash
Manchester City have not lost three of their first four games in a season since the 1995-96 campaign.
That record could be matched when Man City host their rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday, 14 September.
The Etihad Stadium club got their season underway in emphatic fashion when they defeated Wolves 4-0 on 16 August.
However, Man City have subsequently endured defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, which sees them six points adrift of early league leaders Liverpool.
Man City can endure 30-year low against Man United
Before finishing third in the Premier League last season, Guardiola’s men established themselves as the dominant force in the English game by winning four consecutive league titles.
Meanwhile, if the Etihad Stadium outfit are defeated by Man United on 14 September, they will suffer four defeats in their opening four games for the first time since a 1995-96 season that saw them endure relegation.
A win over the Red Devils’ bitter rivals would do wonders for Ruben Amorim, who remains under pressure despite Man United’s win over Burnley last time out.
Pep Guardiola must avoid historic fate against Manchester United
If Man City suffer a defeat to Man United, the fact that it would be a new 30-year low would epitomise their slow start to the Premier League season.
| Man City fixtures | All competitions 2025/26 |
| 14/09 | Man United (H) |
| 18/09 | Napoli (H) |
| 21/09 | Arsenal (A) |
Perhaps more crucially, though, Guardiola’s men could lose further ground on leaders Liverpool, who will fancy their chances of beating Burnley on 14 September.
Guardiola enjoyed a strong summer of recruitment, as Man City signed players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, who can perform well between the sticks for his new club.
The acquisition of Donnarumma, as well as stars like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders, should have what it takes to help the City boss steer his side back to title contention.
Therefore, Guardiola must ensure that Amorim does not get the better of him in the Manchester derby.
Furthermore, after facing their rivals, the Etihad Stadium side begin their Champions League campaign with a tough encounter with Serie A winners Napoli.