Man United handed unexpected boost ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester City have confirmed that forward Omar Marmoush will miss the Premier League clash with Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Marmoush suffered a knee injury in the early stages of Egypt’s World Cup qualifying match with Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening.

This represents a big boost for Man United as the Egypt international is an integral player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He started two of the Cityzens’ league games before the international break.

Marmoush ranks joint-first for big chances created and third for the third-most shots and dribbles per game, making him one of Man City’s most direct players.

The versatile forward has played once against United, featuring in April’s goalless draw at the Old Trafford.

City could also be without centre-back John Stones, who pulled out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Andorra due to a ‘muscular issue’.

Man United also have their injury worries ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season.

Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount picked up injuries during the victory over Burnley at Old Trafford, but the pair have not been ruled out for Sunday’s clash.

Cunha dropped an update on Instagram that his injury is not as bad as initially feared, raising optimism that he could feature against Cityzens.

The Brazilian has yet to score in Man United’s colours but has been lively in his first four competitive games.

Whether long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez will also return in time for the game remains to be seen.

United will aim to record their second consecutive win in the league and compound City’s woes, with Guardiola’s side losing their last two games.

Manager Ruben Amorim has yet to taste defeat against the Cityzens since joining the Red Devils and will hope that record remains intact at the end of Sunday’s showdown.

Article written by Henry Thornton .