Wednesday night's win over Tottenham has injected Manchester United fans with a new sense of hope ahead of the derby against Manchester City.
Suddenly, almost from nowhere, there seems to be some Christmas cheer among Manchester United fans and optimism too ahead of a derby game that many would have been dreading pre-Tottenham.
Having said that there is an acceptance City will be the favourites on home soil but if you look at the stats both sides have won four of the last 10 games at the Etihad with two draws.
It's a view echoed by United We Stand editor Andy Mitten: "I'm encouraged by United's record away in the derby in the last 10 years.
"At Old Trafford we've been really bad, I think City have won six or seven of the derbies. But that 3-2 in 2018, they'd set the party up, the champagne was ready to be uncorked, all the families came down, they were 2-0 up at half-time then bang, bang, bang, 3-2 to United and the Rashford winner as well.
"I'm looking forward to the game a lot more than I was before the Tottenham match."
The sense of hope in Manchester's red corner is based upon a purple patch for Marcus Rashford which means he has 12 goals in his last 13 games for club and country. Add into that the return of Scott McTominay and the physicality and leadership he brings, mentioned by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, then perhaps it is not the foregone conclusion it may well have been.
"He's been brilliant," says Mitten of Rashford. "He's hit a sweet spot with goals now. I would never have described him as prolific but you can see he's confident.
"I saw him last night drop back to the halfway line, turn and beat two players. He's taking free-kicks, he's getting closer with them. He scored the brilliant free-kick at Chelsea.
"There's a hero emerging there and United have not had enough of them in the last couple of years."
It's been an uncertain time for Solskjaer, but as we enter the season of goodwill it certainly seems the United faithful are prepare to extend some to the boss.
"Even the biggest Solskjaer supporters were beginning to have little doubts," says Mitten.
"No matter how many injuries he's had or chances have been missed, that four wins from 14 games was a bad statistic, but a great win against Spurs and he's talking a good game going into the derby.
"I've spoken to him off the record and I see a determination there to get rid of the wrongs and to bring the right youngsters through. But he has to get results in the short term."
Manchester United fans treated Jose Mourinho graciously on his return to Old Trafford on Wednesday night, but enjoyed beating him too.
However it's his words, highlighting his former side's results against the Premier League's big boys that probably mean the glasses of mulled wine in the city centre are half full right now.
femnpru
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
his not matured that what is missing on him
Bioackmoy
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
I hate this man 'Pogba'
femnpru
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
what's are your comments about pogba this man need to sale him if not he ll brought influence
femnpru
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
man u we re under pressure as u can see but we need to maintain a win every game go go united
Bipadmnouy
0
if available...
[image]
best formation for man city's game
rocamrsyz
0
is the best pick up against man City derby.
RIPvamos
0
sorry but u are not watching epl it seems lol 🤣 🤣
it's happened in epl only I think you started supporting Liverpool from this season isn't it ?
Suuacelorz
0
it will be hard for us to get a win....I am entitled to my opinion so no fool should slide in here to say s**t
winckms
0
United keep on dreaming derby defeat will open your eyes again to see that ole is not the right man.
DarshvindrranSubram
1
the era of vidic and Ferdinand gonna begin again
Basanta113
0
febaeilp
0
It is a derby which anything can happen but the truth is City are too fired up for now as you can see from the Burnley game,City 4-1 United
Lol we are not coming to dash you three points we need it too and we will get it
Siucdirty
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
Even though Man U is not performing at their best, I think they are gonna put up a challenge Saturday
Siucdirty
0
will be a 🔥 match
numbmopt
0
if Manchester United beat Manchester city we has city fans stop watch football fi life we are looking at a 4-1 game
get ready
Woaaeilm
0
if available...
tupabiptz
0
It is a derby which anything can happen but the truth is City are too fired up for now as you can see from the Burnley game,City 4-1 United
Lizblopz
0
What's the problem with you man?Even Liverpool lost 5-0 to Man city.
sorry but u are not watching epl it seems lol 🤣 🤣
lukzlat910
0
😂😂😂What fuckery!!! I'm optimistic your clearly irrelevant in this life😜
Ain't that the truth ruth! 😂😂
Powerglide
0
I'm optimistic we will be beaten by not more than 3 goals
😂😂😂What fuckery!!! I'm optimistic your clearly irrelevant in this life😜
lukzlat910
0
I'm optimistic we will be beaten by not more than 3 goals
You're literally the worst United fan on this app, I see you on almost every site posting negative sh*t about United and Ole, we don't need fans like you, you bring the club down, if you can't support United when they're losing then don't f***ing support them when they're winning, go change your badge
Iamshadow
0
remember Norwich n then speak
What's the problem with you man?Even Liverpool lost 5-0 to Man city.
Karthikitz
0
I'm optimistic we will be beaten by not more than 3 goals
fk u seriously we dont need fans like u
abdulmaliku
0
man utd are moving forward
Kouoruz
0
With combo of Fred and Mcterminator🔥.. return of Pogbomb💥.. Wanbispider at right back 💣.. Williams at left back 🤩.. The match gonna be lit..🔥🔥
What a comment
dupabilopy
0
Come on CITY
Arjenrobben11
1
I'm optimistic we will be beaten by not more than 3 goals
mzeereal
0
I'm having goosebumps with your blasting comment
😉😉🤩
anurag12280
2
Bioackmoy
0
With combo of Fred and Mcterminator🔥.. return of Pogbomb💥.. Wanbispider at right back 💣.. Williams at left back 🤩.. The match gonna be lit..🔥🔥
I'm having goosebumps with your blasting comment
yonbcnrstu
0
United past them
Bioackmoy
0
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
Yes, u are right, u are far better than us. but I think we are better than Arsenal, we can beat the top team while Arsenal can't
Vosakmnops
1
players muntd
femnpru
1
Manchester united shouldn't play a good game when is facing big team noooo no they should just maintained either big team nor any
padaeknsuy
0
,aappj
lawalidris
1
I don't think Manchester United can beat Manchester City because of their inconsistence. United play like Arsenal this days.
ljik
3
United have been awful the last two years but they always turn up for derby matches so it will be a t get game for sure.
xtgambler
2
If you play with passion and badge away and home form not matter, which fergie used to do
Chanhazard
2
That is game I am going judge their performance against what so called" top six"
Venusballin
1
Two MEN want to fight. They need a United City to determine the winner. Of you know, you know! 😀
Lizblopz
0
Sharks will tear red devil #Comeon city
remember Norwich n then speak
RIPvamos
1
Sharks will tear red devil #Comeon city
ishti
2
It's going to be a tough game for both the team. Utd has added belief after what they did to tots and City has their own problem to deal with. FingersCrossed
sawmsanga
1
And then we will all drop back down to earth once the match ended, united players are so inconsistent, you don't know if they will turn up full mode or not
AidinTT
1
lented
3
United can win this one...
mzeereal
6
With combo of Fred and Mcterminator🔥.. return of Pogbomb💥.. Wanbispider at right back 💣.. Williams at left back 🤩.. The match gonna be lit..🔥🔥