Manchester derby: Maresca dreams victory at Old Trafford, says City must be themselves to get result 

11.9.2026
Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca said he is looking forward to Sunday’s Manchester derby against city rivals Manchester United.
City travel to Old Trafford for the first meeting of the two sides since Maresca took charge of City in the summer. It’s the 199th instalment of this historic rivalry, regarded by many as one of the fiercest derbies in world football.
Speaking in his press conference at the City Football Academy on Friday, Maresca made it clear that he’s aware of the importance of these matches to fans above and beyond the need for three points.
“It’s very important for different reasons,” he began.
“It’s a derby. Especially for the club, for the fans. Special game and most important thing we can do is be ourselves and then we will see the final result.
“Every derby is more or less similar. I have been in different ones.
“The worst was Olympiacos v Panathinaikos because that was very hot. Juventus, Torino. Sevilla, Betis. As a manager with Chelsea.
“They are all special games for the fans first of all, for the coaching staff, a special game for everyone.
“I want these kinds of games. I like these kinds of games.”