Manchester United could get more than derby bragging rights when they look to beat rivals Man City on Sunday.
After a poor start, the Red Devils have won their last four consecutive Premier League games and, if they beat City, they will have the same start as when they last won the title.
It’s been almost a decade since Manchester United last lifted the Premier League trophy, with the last win coming in 2012/13 under Sir Alex Ferguson in the iconic manager’s final season at Old Trafford.
Since then, the Red Devils have moved closer to the top of the league in 2020/21, when they finished second, 12 points behind winners and rivals City.
However, the 188th Manchester derby this weekend could bode well for the city’s red side should Erik ten Hag’s side secure all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
After six matches, Man United are currently fifth on 12 points, with two defeats – humiliations to Brentford and Brighton – followed by four straight wins to their name, including against then-unbeaten and current league leaders Arsenal.
If they win their seventh game, it will reflect their winning start to the season in 2012/13.
The Red Devils started this campaign with a 1-0 away loss to Everton, going on to win four games in a row – another good omen given it is their league form that they enter the derb of Manchester – against Fulham, Southampton, Wigan and Liverpool.
This was followed by a 3-2 loss to Tottenham, their seventh game being a 3-0 away win against Newcastle.
Ferguson’s side were eventually crowned champions with 89 points, 11 better than – you guessed it – second-placed Man City.
And a win for Man United will also have another layer for Ten Hag.
Securing all three points will mean the Dutchman will also beat former Bayern Munich colleague Pep Guardiola.
Ten Hag was Bayern Munich’s reserve team boss while the Spaniard was in charge of the German club’s first team between 2013 and 2015, with Guardiola often described as Ten Hag’s mentor during his early career. ‘coach.
Could the student become the master this weekend?
talkSPORT will have all updates from the 188th Manchester derby this Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.