Sesko Returns as Carrick Faces Maresca’s Perfect City in Manchester Derby

MANCHESTER, England — Old Trafford will host the Manchester derby at 4:30 p.m. BST on Sunday, September 13, with Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City facing Michael Carrick’s Manchester United. The match brings together two clubs following sharply different early-season trajectories in stability, system design, and squad fitness.


City has won all four of its competitive matches across all competitions under Maresca, the Italian tactician who took over the club. His side has begun the year with a disciplined, possession-heavy style.

United’s form under Carrick has swung dramatically. The Red Devils lost unexpectedly to newly promoted Hull City and conceded late in a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park after holding the lead twice. They also routed Ipswich Town 5-2 and defeated Azerbaijani side Sabah FK 4-0 in European competition on Thursday night.

Benjamin Sesko’s return has made Carrick’s forward-line decisions more viable. The Slovenian international missed all of United’s pre-season and the opening stretch of the year because of a severe shin injury that disrupted much of his 2025/26 campaign. He scored a late header against Everton despite lacking match fitness, then found the net again in his first start since May against Sabah FK.

Sesko provides a traditional focal point who can occupy opposing center-backs and create space for captain Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes is expected to start as the central playmaker behind the striker, while Bryan Mbeumo is tipped to retain his place on the right wing. Carrick must choose between Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha and England international Marcus Rashford on the left.

Luke Shaw’s status could affect that decision. The left-back remains a doubt after missing the midweek European fixture, while Patrick Dorgu delivered a commanding performance at left-back on Thursday. If Shaw is cleared to start, the Danish international could move higher into an advanced left-wing position to counter Manchester City’s wide offensive threats.

Carrick is also expected to alter his defensive line. Diogo Dalot and veteran center-back Harry Maguire are projected to return to the starting lineup, joining Lisandro Martinez and French central defender Leny Yoro in competing for the remaining defensive positions. Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens is set to continue in goal.

Kobbie Mainoo played 64 minutes against Sabah FK, while Youri Tielemans was withdrawn at halftime. Carrick managed both players’ minutes with the double pivot against City in mind. Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is available after proving his fitness.

United’s options remain limited by a prolonged injury crisis. The derby comes too soon for £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba, who is recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season. Carrick will also be without winger Amad Diallo, who has an ankle injury; Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is recovering from back surgery; defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is recovering from cruciate ligament surgery; and veteran backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has a hamstring injury.

The Manchester derby was first played in 1881 and is one of the oldest and most fiercely contested rivalries in world football. Carrick’s structured transition play will face Maresca’s tactical efficiency at Old Trafford.

**Predicted Manchester United XI:**
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko.