The Red Devils' revolution under Erik ten Hag is well underway, and the reigning Premier League champions could be their next victims this weekend
Manchester United have won each of their last matches in all competitions, including four in the Premier League after strolling past Bournemouth with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on January 3 in a result that saw them draw level with third-placed Newcastle on 35 points, albeit having played a game fewer.
Perhaps what many didn't pick up on is that United also moved to within just four points of Manchester City, who are sitting second as the main challengers to early pace-setters Arsenal.
As such, if United beat their arch-rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday, they will also deserve to be considered as title contenders, which is a testament to just how much has changed since Erik ten Hag's shaky start to life in English football.
The Dutchman has transformed United into a solid, hard-working outfit, with every player contributing to a high-press out of possession and a direct, fluid approach being adopted in attack, making them a joy to watch.
City beat their neighbours 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium on October 2 as Erling Haaland ran riot, and Pep Guardiola still boasts a superior squad in terms of overall depth in each position.
United have been closing that gap in quality since then, however, and fans across Manchester are now bracing themselves for the most high-stakes derby contest for the best part of a decade.
The question is, how many United players would now get into a combined XI alongside City's megastars, based on current form? GOAL takes a look…
GettyGK: Ederson
Despite David de Gea's return to form at United this season, Ederson is still the top man between the sticks in Manchester.
The Brazilian has recorded seven clean sheets in 17 Premier League appearances while showing off his superb reflexes and distribution skills on a consistent basis once again to help City stay within touching distance of Arsenal.
Ederson's passing range is second to none in the goalkeeping ranks, and he even managed to post an assist in City's 3-1 victory over Brighton on October 22.
De Gea is certainly not on the same level technically, and his awkward fumble in United's FA Cup win over Everton showed that he remains prone to costly lapses in concentration.
The difference between the two keepers could ultimately prove vital in deciding who finishes higher come the end of the season.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Kyle Walker
Walker started the season in strong fashion as City went unbeaten through their first eight Premier League games, but was forced to undergo surgery after rupturing his groin in their derby win over United.
Gareth Southgate still took a risk on the 32-year-old for the 2022 World Cup, though, and after sitting out England's first two group games, he played a key role in their run to the quarter-finals.
Walker put in a man-of-the-match display to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet during the Three Lions' narrow loss to France in the last eight, and has transferred that form to club level since returning from the international break.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also enjoyed a mini-resurgence at United while City fans are excited by the potential of teenager Rico Lewis, but Walker is one of City's most important players at the moment, especially given Joao Cancelo's recent dip in form.
Getty ImagesCB: John Stones
The 2021-22 season was a frustrating one for John Stones on a personal level as he played second fiddle to Aymeric Laporte, but he has managed to change that dynamic this term.
The 28-year-old is finally delivering on his full potential and is now ahead of Laporte in the squad pecking order, often starting alongside Ruben Dias or summer signing Manuel Akanji.
Stones hasn't let his foot off the gas since returning from the World Cup, where he was arguably England's standout player, and he appears more determined than ever to cement his status among the best defenders in Europe.
Marcus Rashford is currently enjoying a hot streak at United, but he may need to reach an even higher level to get the better of his compatriot when City arrive at Old Trafford.
Getty ImagesCB: Raphael Varane
Lisandro Martinez has added much-needed steel to United's backline since his arrival from Ajax last summer, but Raphael Varane deserves the most credit for their improved defensive record.
The Frenchman, who helped his country reach a second successive World Cup final in Qatar, has been nothing short of colossal for the Red Devils this season after rediscovering the kind of form that made him one of the best centre-halves in the business at Real Madrid.
Martinez has been the perfect foil for Varane, but the 29-year-old has also been superb in the Argentina star's absence post-Qatar, and his continued presence will be vital to United's chances of returning to the Champions League and winning a trophy.
The two men are set to reunite in the heart of the defence this weekend, and Haaland is unlikely to have another easy afternoon if he has Varane breathing down his neck while Martinez cleans up alongside him.