As anticipation builds for Sunday’s highly charged Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has provided a crucial update on the Red Devils’ squad. United will head into the clash against their city rivals with notable absences, but the manager remains confident in his team’s competitiveness.
Key absentees for United
Amorim confirmed that Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot will not be available for the derby. Cunha and Mount both suffered injuries during United’s recent 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford, while Dalot withdrew from international duty with Portugal due to muscle pain.
“I think they are out for this game,” Ruben Amorim told reporters. “I don’t know how long it is going to take. We need those players to be a very, very competitive team, but we have very good players that are eager to play, so we will be competitive on Sunday, but they are out, they cannot help us in this game.”
The United boss refrained from setting a timeline for their recovery, stressing that the club will manage the situation on a day-to-day basis.
Goalkeeper decision
Despite speculation about potential changes in goal, Amorim confirmed that Altay Bayindir will continue as United’s first-choice goalkeeper for the derby. The Turkish international has retained the manager’s trust, even with new signing Senne Lammers waiting in the wings.
“I believe in Altay,”Ruben Amorim said. “He is ready to play and he is going to play.”
Defensive updates
On the defensive front, Lisandro Martinez is still working his way back from a knee operation and remains unavailable. However, Noussair Mazraoui has returned to action, making his season debut against Burnley, although he missed Morocco’s international fixtures.
Manchester City’s situation
Manchester United’s rivals also have injury issues of their own. Pep Guardiola confirmed Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki are sidelined, while John Stones is doubtful after missing England duty. Despite these concerns, Guardiola expects Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly, Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, and Josko Gvardiol to be available. Additionally, Gianluigi Donnarumma is cleared to make his debut following a move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Derby day outlook
With both Manchester clubs grappling with injury concerns, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a test of squad depth as much as skill. For United, the absence of key players will be felt, but Ruben Amorim’s belief in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion sets the tone for what could be a defining derby clash.