Maresca says Manchester derby is ‘special’ as Doku nears Manchester City return

Enzo Maresca says Sunday’s Manchester derby is a “special” occasion, with Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly fully fit but Jeremy Doku still needing a few more days before he can return.

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the fourth round of the Premier League on Sunday.

“Nico O’Reilly is 100% ready, while Jeremy Doku needs a few more days before he comes back,” Maresca said at his pre-match news conference.

O’Reilly was injured during Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the second round of the Premier League. The Englishman subsequently missed the league match against Coventry City and the Champions League fixture against Porto.

Doku, meanwhile, has not featured in any of Manchester City’s competitive matches this season, either in the Premier League or the Champions League. The Belgium international was injured against Arsenal in the Community Shield, which the Gunners won 3-0 before the league campaign began.

“The match is important for different reasons. It is a special game in the city of Manchester,” added Maresca.

Elliot Anderson recently described Manchester City as the “king” of Manchester, and Maresca said that view was understandable.

“It is normal for Elliot to say that because he grew up during a period when Manchester City were outstanding and dominant,” he said.

Maresca was also asked about the development of Manchester City player Enzo Fernandez, having previously coached him at Chelsea.

“Over the past two years, he has played more as an attacking midfielder. Before that, he was operating in a deeper position,” said Maresca.

“He is an amazing player around the penalty area, both for scoring and creating goals, and also in terms of leadership.”

Fernandez has made 81 appearances under Maresca, scoring 15 goals and providing 20 assists.

Maresca also praised Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who he believes has made a strong impression since taking charge.

“He has been doing a great job since last season with Manchester United. He took responsibility for a team in a complicated situation, finished the season well and has started this season, more or less, with an impressive performance,” Maresca said.

Manchester City have won all three of their league matches under Maresca and sit top of the Premier League with nine points. They are level on points with second-placed Arsenal, leading only on goal difference.

Manchester City finished last season under Pep Guardiola in second place, seven points behind Premier League champions Arsenal.

Maresca previously worked alongside Guardiola as part of his coaching staff before departing in the summer of 2023. He began his managerial career with Leicester City, then moved to Chelsea before taking charge of Manchester City this season.