After a meltdown-inducing start to the season, Manchester United seemed to turn the corner under Erik ten Hag prior to the international break.
However, Sunday's derby meeting with Manchester City will provide an indication as to whether this revival is built on stone or sand.
After a spell of causing their rivals problems in recent years, United were thoroughly humbled in each of last season's fixtures, with City winning 6-1 on aggregate – and barely breaking a sweat while doing so.
While the Premier League champions have mostly replicated this kind of dominance over opponents during the 2022-23 campaign to date, largely thanks to a certain Norwegian striker, they have shown undeniable signs of vulnerability, failing to beat both Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Therefore, while most of the focus heading into this weekend's clash is typically on United, City failing to win would give their rivals hope that Pep Guardiola's seemingly inevitable march to another title can at least be obstructed.
Below, GOAL takes a look at what United need to do to stop Erling Haaland & Co. running riot at the Etihad Stadium...