It feels ironic that few people were there to witness Manchester United's last win at the Etihad.
Because more than 50,000 will cram into the same stadium on Sunday to watch the latest Manchester derby – and United's chances of repeating the feat are slim to zero. Back in 2021 United won 2-0 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
The triumph came behind closed doors due to the Pandemic, but nothing could wipe the smile off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's face following one of his greatest wins as United boss. The result ended Manchester City's 21-game winning run and saw United close the gap in second place on Pep Guardiola's league leaders. Since then, some things have changed and some things haven't.
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Guardiola's side are still putting ridiculously long unbeaten runs together and winning trophies. The reigning champions haven't lost since the first week of December, and have won 15 of their last 17 games in all competitions.
Across town, meanwhile, United are no longer hot on City's heels at the top of the table. They've stopped winning at their neighbours and head back to the Etihad languishing in sixth place, 15 points adrift of last season's Treble winners.
Do you think there's any hope for United? What must they do at the Etihad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
At the time of stunning City in their own backyard three years ago, United had been unbeaten in 22 league games on the road. This time round, however, there is no such record to brag about. United are unbeaten in just four away games and have lost a staggering 15 matches in total this season.
Some of the United faces will look familiar this weekend. While Shaw is injured, Fernandes will lead United, while Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Marcus Rashford could all start.
United can also call upon Andre Onana in goal, Raphael Varane, Casemiro and, if they're really desperate, Antony. So there might be some new dimensions to United, not to mention a new manager in the shape of Erik ten Hag.
Luke Littler darts fans can back 'The Nuke' in Premier League with his playing shirt
Luke Littler fans can now buy the 17-year-old's playing shirt to support him as he continues to demonstrate his talent in the Premier League.
The darts sensation was only 16 when he wowed Alexandra Palace at the World Darts Championship (WDC), despite a final loss to Luke Humphries.
The Nuke will continue playing against seven of the best dart players in the world — Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross and Peter Wright — in a mini-tournament in a different city every Thursday until the final in May.
But familiar problems remain, like the lack of identity, consistency and belief that United are on the right path to something tangible.
Back in 2021 United's win felt like a freak result. And the feeling will be the same in 2024 should United somehow mastermind another win. Because if anything, the gap between the bitter rivals has become very much wider.
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