Diallo Out, Baleba Out, De Ligt Doubted — Carrick’s Depleted United Face City’s Full-Strength Slaughter
Manchester City head into this weekend’s Manchester derby with a clear and immediate advantage over their rivals, as a combination of superior squad availability and a more favorable fixture schedule hands Enzo Maresca’s side had the upper hand before a ball was even kicked.
The Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday 13 September 2026 pits Michael Carrick’s Manchester United against a City team that has reported a clean bill of health.
While the Blues can call on virtually their entire first-team squad, United will be forced to navigate the derby without several important players.
United Hit by Key Absences
Amad Diallo and new signing Carlos Baleba are both ruled out with ankle and foot issues. Diallo has been sidelined since picking up an injury in training, while Baleba arrived at Old Trafford carrying a pre-existing problem that is expected to keep him out for several more weeks.
Additional concerns linger over Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), and a possible doubt over Marcus Rashford, further thinning Carrick’s options at a critical moment.
City, by contrast, have no significant injuries or suspensions listed. Manager Enzo Maresca, who took charge in the summer following Pep Guardiola’s departure, can select from a fully available squad as he prepares for the short trip across Manchester.
Scheduling Edge Adds to City’s Boost
Compounding United’s problems is the midweek calendar. Manchester City face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday, giving them five full days of recovery before the derby.
United, meanwhile, host Sabah on Thursday, leaving Carrick’s players with just three days to prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
The disparity has not gone unnoticed among fans and observers, many of whom have described the combination of fitness and rest as a “ridiculous” and “instant” advantage for the visitors.
Context and Stakes
City currently sit near the top of the early Premier League table after a solid start under Maresca, while United continue to search for consistency.
The derby always carries extra intensity, but the practical differences in preparation and personnel have shifted the pre-match narrative firmly in City’s favour.
Carrick will need to find creative solutions from a depleted group, while Maresca can approach the game with the luxury of near-complete selection freedom.
Whether that translates into a result remains to be seen, but the groundwork for an advantage has already been laid.
Both sets of supporters will be watching closely as the final squad announcements emerge later this week. For now, the early edge belongs to the sky blue half of Manchester.
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