Old Trafford will host the latest instalment of the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon, with Michael Carrick's United side looking to prove they can be genuine contenders despite an inconsistent start to the season, while Enzo Maresca's Manchester City arrive with a perfect record under their new head coach.
United's campaign so far has been something of a mixed bag, and Sunday's fixture represents an early opportunity for Carrick to demonstrate that his side belong among the league's top challengers. The derby carries extra significance for the United boss given his history in the role. Carrick's first spell in interim charge last season, following the club's split with Ruben Amorim in January, made an immediate impact, and it began in style with a 2-0 home victory over City.
Maresca's City, in contrast, have made a seamless transition following Pep Guardiola's departure, winning every game so far under the Italian's stewardship. Questions remain, however, over whether the performances have fully matched the results, suggesting there is still work being done behind the scenes to establish Maresca's system fully.
Central to City's threat is Erling Haaland, who continues to find the net with remarkable consistency. The Norwegian striker scored both goals in City's 2-0 win away at Porto in the Champions League in midweek, taking his tally to five goals in just three games this season. His form will represent the biggest individual challenge for United's defence to contain on derby day.
The match will be one of several significant Premier League fixtures across the weekend. On Saturday, Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola's side having found their rhythm after wins at Ipswich and away to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Fulham, managed by former Liverpool player Álvaro Arbeloa, travel to Merseyside under pressure having lost their last three matches and conceded seven goals in that run.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Xabi Alonso's Chelsea, among the league's top scorers this term, face an unbeaten Hull side in a fixture that will test the promoted club's stern start to life back in the top flight. Tottenham, who have made a costly £300m summer outlay under Roberto De Zerbi, host Everton at their own stadium looking for a first win and first goal of the season, having gone winless in their opening three fixtures. Notably, Spurs beat David Moyes' Everton on the final day of last season to preserve their top-flight status, a result that effectively completed De Zerbi's rescue mission at the club.
Sunderland host Arsenal on Saturday evening in a match the Gunners will approach cautiously, remembering last season's 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Mikel Arteta's side have started the campaign strongly, however, following up three Premier League wins with a 1-0 victory away at Napoli in their Champions League opener.
North of the border, Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday, though the tie will be played without any away supporters present following a decision to restrict attendance at Old Firm fixtures this season. Rangers head into the match having won four in a row under Derek McInnes, including a stoppage-time winner from Bojan Miovski against St Mirren in midweek.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.