Man Utd beat Man City 2-0 in March 2021. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium this evening for the most unpredictable derby day in recent memory. Manchester City are stuck in the worst slump of Pep Guardiola's managerial career, winning just one and losing seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Meanwhile, United continue to find their feet under Ruben Amorim, and while there are clear signs of a new identity and vision, the results remain inconsistent.
A defeat would condemn the Red Devils to a third on the bounce in the Premier League for the first time since December 2015.
Victory would give Amorim their second against City this season – following Sporting's 4-1 Champions League rout – and United's first league triumph at the Etihad since March 2021.
Express sport looks back at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's players who contributed to the success of this derby day in an empty stadium during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dean Henderson
No David de Gea as the Spaniard was on paternity leave, and Dean Henderson stepped up his challenge for the No.1 jersey in this one.
Ultimately, he was unable to cement his place and joined Crystal Palace in a £20m deal last summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
He didn't sniff at Raheem Sterling during one of the many impressive defensive displays against City as a United player, including his final appearance in the FA Cup final in May.
Joined West Ham United for £15m earlier this year, paving the way for the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui.
Dean Henderson started the 2-0 victory. (Image: Getty)
Victor Lindelof
Contributed to a rare clean sheet against City at a time when he was regularly starting football matches.
He is still at United but is lower down the pecking order and is expected to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
Harry Maguire
Performances to justify his £80m price tag have been few and far between, but he produced one in this victory.
Like Victor Lindelof, he is at the end of his contract next summer and no longer starts regularly. United have the option to extend for another year.
Luke Shaw
Scored a fine finish to double United's advantage and seal all three points in a complete performance from left back.
He has not started a match for the club since February and is currently out following his latest injury setback.
Scott McTominay
One half of Solskjaer's popular 'McFred' midfield combination which has served United well in many important matches during the Norwegian's reign.
Ended his 22-year association with the club this summer, joining Napoli in a £25 million move as part of a budget sales boost.
Fred
His energy and defensive tenacity proved very useful in these types of matches where United relied heavily on counter-attacks.
Left for Fenerbahce in a £13m deal last summer, reuniting with the manager who brought him to Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho.
Daniel James
Whether he was good enough to represent United was often a matter of debate, but his pace was incredibly valuable on the break.
The club recouped £25 million from Leeds United a few months later, a positive outcome for all parties.
Bruno Fernandès (93')
He put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after just two minutes, paving the way for a memorable victory.
He's now United's captain, and it only takes one hand to count the Premier League games he hasn't started since that match.
Marcus Rashford (73')
The local hero loves to score a goal in the derby, but he didn't score one on this occasion.
He could make his 427th appearance for United tonight, but that may have to come from the bench amid Amorim's relentless rotation.
Antoine Martial (88')
He also had joy against City on several occasions, but left the goal to his teammates in the 2-0 triumph.
Left United on a free transfer when his contract expired in the summer and later joined AEK Athens.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had Pep Guardiola's number. (Image: Getty)
Mason Greenwood (73')
Replaced Marcus Rashford but was not required to contribute to the goals.
His promising United career ended in the summer when he completed a £27 million move to Marseille.
Nemanja Matić (88')
Solskjaer brought him on late to replace Anthony Martial, strengthening the midfield and protecting all three points.
Left United as a free agent in 2022 and has since played for AS Roma, Rennes and Lyon.
Brandon Williams (93')
Earned some of his minutes as a promising prospect in the latter stages of the victory. Solskjaer spoke highly of him.
But the 24-year-old was released at the end of last season and has failed to find a new club.
Unused substitutes
Lee Grant
Retired from football when his contract with United expired in 2022. Now first team coach of Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Eric Bailly
Left permanently last summer after spending the 2022/23 season on loan at Marseille. Had a short spell at Besiktas last year but now plays for Villarreal.
Alex Telles
He returned to his native Brazil to represent Botafogo, after leaving United for Al-Nassr last summer.
Axel Tuanzebe
Left Old Trafford last summer and joined Ipswich on a free transfer. He appears regularly under former United manager Kieran McKenna.
Amad
Lots of uncertainty between now and that day due to Erik ten Hag's constant rebuffs. Now one of United's best players, he is in line for a new contract and has a big future under Amorim.
Shola Shoretire
The 20-year-old striker was an exciting prospect at the time, but failed to really make it to United. Joined PAOK in the summer and faced his boyhood club in the Europa League this season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1988855/Man-Utd-news-Man-City-Premier-League-comment