Man United v Manchester City LIVE: Team news and lineups as derby rivals collide at Old Trafford

Michael Carrick’s first Manchester derby as interim manager brought a victory and bought him time.

Eight months later, ​after leading United to a third-placed finish and being appointed on a permanent basis, expectation has soared and Sunday’s clash with Manchester City is being viewed as a measure of how far his rebuilding job has progressed.

United’s former midfield schemer has overseen only one win, against Ipswich Town, in the opening three Premier League matches. ⁠A humbling loss at Hull City and a draw at Everton have tempered optimism generated by last season’s revival.

Thursday’s 4-0 victory over Sabah in the Champions League was a welcome boost ahead of the visit of City, but Carrick knows Sunday will provide the acid test.

Michael Carrick has endured a tough start to the season with disappointing results at newly promoted Hull City and at Everton, but a victory here would boost the mood in the red half of Manchester – as well as hopes of finishing above City for the first time in 14 years now that Pep Guardiola’s reign is over.

Enzo Maresca’s City side have not been wholly convincing either, struggling past Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium last time out, but they still have a perfect record in the Premier League and can open up an eight-point gap over United with victory at the home of their fierce rivals.

Who will triumph in the Manchester derby?

Good afternoon and welcome along to live coverage of the Manchester derby. Who will land a blow in the first derby of the season? We’re looking forward to this one…