Aymeric Laporte has been forced to watch Manchester City's Premier League crown slipping away from a seat in the stands for the past four months.
And he offered two reasons why the Blues have not quite been at the races in the league this season.
“It's been tough watching from the stands, but it's never easy,” said the 25-year-old. “The last two years were very, very tough but this year other teams have improved, have made some transfers.
“Others have improved, and they have studied us, too. It gets more difficult every year so we have to stay focused, work a lot and concentrate, and be more like we have in the last two years, and try to win every single game.”
Laporte's inclusion against the Blades was a surprise – he had been lined up to return against Fulham this weekend.
But with John Stones injured and manager Pep Guardiola keen to play three at the back, he was given the all-clear by the medical staff.
But Laporte admits that they have jumped the gun on the original return plan: “Normally it would have been later but I tried today, and I spoke with the manager and he told me he wanted me to play today. I'm happy to back as soon as possible, and get some minutes earlier than it was.
“I don't know if I'll be ready for 90 against United - you'd have to ask the manager, but I will be there with the team. It's for the manager to decide everything.”
Laporte returned with some powerful words of praise from Guardiola ringing in his ears.
The manager described Laporte as the “best centre back, left, in the world” - meaning the best left-footed centre back.
Laporte was abashed when told of the comment, and said: “You have to ask him, but it's very good for me coming from a manager who is one of the best in the world, if not the best.
“I am very happy to hear it but I have to work to be this. I have to keep going to stay there.”