A general view of Etihad Stadium (Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as Manchester City face Manchester United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Manchester City vs Manchester United
HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes swings in a corner-kick from the left, but Donnarumma leaps high above a crowded six-yard box and makes a convincing punch clear. It’s been a flawless Premier League debut for the Italy captain so far.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
City still look likeliest to score this game’s second goal, with United being hemmed into their defensive third. The away side will surely accept a one-goal deficit at the break.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
United are wide open on the flank, but Foden’s long pass towards Doku leaks over the touchline. City’s Belgian winger is in peak form today, and they’re keen to deliver him the ball whenever possible.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Danger man Doku is well marshalled by Mbeumo, who has had to drop deep as cover, but City re-work the ball and Reijnders sets up a 20-yard strike for O’Reilly. It’s badly sliced, though, and Bayindir can watch it sail harmlessly over his crossbar.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Following a brief spell of progress for United, it’s now City who are back in charge. They’re passing crisply inside the opposition half, probing for another opening.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes clips in a curling free-kick from the left flank, around 30 yards from goal, but his cross strays away from Dorgu. Alert to the danger, Donnarumma is quickly out to gather the ball.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Released by a pass from deep in midfield, Sesko chests the ball away from two lurking defenders and then aims to shoot from a tight angle on the right. However, he can’t quite beat Donnaruma, who guides it over the byline and allows City fans to breathe again.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
After a relatively confident start by the away side, United have retreated into their shell. City have had 61% of the ball so far, recording three shots to their rivals’ one – and, crucially, they’re in front.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Following City’s opening goal, Doku has recorded three assists in his last five league appearances at the Etihad, while only Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney (both eight) have scored more Premier League goals in the Manchester derby than Foden (seven).