The Manchester derby is back, and this one feels bigger than just three Premier League points.

Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford today with both clubs heading in completely different directions. City have won their opening three league matches under new manager Enzo Maresca, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice. United, meanwhile, have already dropped points against Hull City and Everton and are still trying to convince everyone that Michael Carrick’s team has really turned a corner.

United did get a confidence boost in midweek, beating Sabah 4-0 in the Champions League. But this is Manchester City.

This is the real test.

And while tactics and formations will matter, derby matches are often decided by individual moments.

One player beats his man.

One midfielder finds a gap.

One striker takes one chance.

One goalkeeper makes one huge save.

So, before the first whistle, here are the five players I believe could decide everything at Old Trafford.

5. Bryan Mbeumo — Manchester United

Mbeumo might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about this derby, but I think he could be one of United’s biggest weapons.

Manchester City like to play with a high defensive line, and that creates an opportunity for United.

According to current Premier League analysis, United have made 142 runs behind the opposition defensive line this season, with Mbeumo responsible for 49 of them — the most of any United player.

That is important.

United don’t necessarily need to dominate possession against City.

They need to hurt City when they win the ball.

If Mbeumo can get into space behind City’s defense, suddenly United can turn a defensive situation into a scoring opportunity within seconds.

This is why I think Mbeumo could be the surprise star of the afternoon.

SportsLoud prediction: Mbeumo will create at least one major chance and could get on the scoresheet.

4. Rayan Cherki — Manchester City

Cherki is the type of player who can make a structured game become chaotic.

The French attacking midfielder has started the season impressively and gives City another creative option behind Haaland.

And there is an interesting comparison here.

Bruno Fernandes vs Rayan Cherki.

Both players can create chances, both can operate between the lines and both are capable of producing something unexpected.

Current analysis has Cherki producing 5.1 chances per 90 minutes early this season, while his expected-assist rate has been particularly impressive.

That makes his battle with United’s midfield extremely important.

If Cherki gets time to turn and face the United defense, City could be in business.

If United close him down quickly, they can disrupt one of City’s biggest creative weapons.

SportsLoud prediction: Cherki will be involved in a goal or assist.

3. Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United

If United win this game, there is a very good chance Bruno Fernandes will have something to do with it.

That’s not a controversial prediction.

He’s still the player United look toward when they need creativity, leadership and someone willing to take responsibility.

Interestingly, Fernandes has become more dangerous as a shooter this season. His shot volume has increased significantly, and he has already scored four goals in all competitions.

But this is where I think the comparison with Cherki gets interesting.

Cherki may currently be the more natural creative threat in certain situations, but Fernandes brings something different.

He understands the pressure of the derby.

He has played in huge matches.

And he isn’t afraid to attempt the difficult pass or take the difficult shot.

United cannot afford to have Fernandes disappear for long periods.

If City control him, United’s attack could become predictable.

If Fernandes gets between City’s midfield and defense, however, United could cause serious problems.

SportsLoud prediction: Fernandes will have a direct goal contribution.

2. Lisandro Martínez — Manchester United

This might be the most important player on the list who isn’t an obvious attacking superstar.

Why?

Because Erling Haaland is waiting on the other side.

Haaland has already scored five Premier League goals this season, and his record against United is frightening. He has scored eight league goals in seven appearances against them.

That means United’s center-backs have an enormous responsibility.

Martínez’s ability to read the game, step forward and challenge attackers before they enter dangerous areas could be crucial.

But there is also a physical question.

Haaland is one of the most difficult strikers in world football to defend because he combines size, speed and movement.

United cannot simply allow him to receive the ball comfortably inside the penalty area.

If Martínez and Harry Maguire keep Haaland quiet, United’s chances of getting something from this match rise dramatically.

If Haaland gets two or three clean opportunities, United could be in serious trouble.

SportsLoud prediction: Martínez will make at least one major defensive intervention that could prevent a goal.

1. Erling Haaland — Manchester City

This one was almost impossible to avoid.

Haaland is the player I believe could decide this derby more than anyone else.

Five Premier League goals already.

Eight league goals against Manchester United.

And he has scored in each of his last three matches in all competitions entering this derby.

The scary thing about Haaland is that he doesn’t need to dominate a match to destroy you.

He can disappear for 20 minutes and then score with his first real chance.

That makes defending him mentally exhausting.

United also have to be careful about the space behind their back line. City can move the ball quickly enough to put Haaland into dangerous positions before United’s defense has time to reset.

For me, this is the matchup that could define the entire afternoon.

Haaland vs Martínez and Maguire.

If United win that battle, they have a real chance.

If Haaland wins it, City could leave Old Trafford with another derby victory.

SportsLoud prediction: Haaland scores.

Bruno Fernandes vs Haaland: Who Matters More?

This is the ultimate comparison.

Haaland is the better pure goalscorer.

Fernandes is the more complete attacking creator.

But if I’m choosing one player to decide this particular match?

I’m taking Haaland.

Why?

Because City’s midfield already has multiple players capable of creating chances.

United rely more heavily on Fernandes to make things happen.

That gives City a slight advantage.

But there is another player who could change that equation.

Benjamin Sesko.

Don’t Forget Benjamin Sesko

Sesko has scored in successive matches heading into the derby, creating an interesting selection decision for Carrick. Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko all give United different attacking options.

If Sesko starts or comes off the bench, his physical presence could give City’s defenders another problem.

And this is why I don’t think United are completely out of this game.

They have enough attacking talent to hurt City.

The question is whether they can survive City’s pressure long enough to use it.

SportsLoud’s Derby Ranking

If I rank the five players most likely to influence the result:

1. Erling Haaland — Manchester City

2. Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United

3. Rayan Cherki — Manchester City

4. Bryan Mbeumo — Manchester United

5. Lisandro Martínez — Manchester United

The biggest difference is that City have multiple players who can hurt United, while United need several things to go right at the same time.

My Prediction

This is where I disagree slightly with the idea that United have no chance.

Old Trafford changes things.

United won the corresponding fixture last season, and City have only won two of the last six Manchester derbies.

So I don’t expect a comfortable City victory.

But I do think City’s current form, attacking quality and defensive improvement give them the advantage.

United will have moments.

Mbeumo will get opportunities.

Fernandes will create problems.

The crowd will push them forward.

But eventually, I think Haaland makes the difference.

SportsLoud prediction:

Manchester United 1–2 Manchester City

Haaland to score.

Bruno Fernandes to contribute for United.

And if City win, I think the conversation afterward will be much bigger than simply three points.

It could be the moment everyone starts asking whether Manchester’s balance of power has changed again.

Because United don’t just need to beat City.

They need to prove they are ready to compete with them.

And today, at Old Trafford, we could get our first real answer.