Stopping Erling & Co. won't be easy but Erik ten Hag's resurgent side have the tools to hurt the Premier League champions on the break.
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…
Getty ImagesKeep Ronaldo & Maguire on the bench
Ten Hag proved he has cojones following United's early-season humiliations, removing captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting line-up.
This proved to be a masterstroke, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez immediately forming a defensive partnership that has the potential to be the envy of Europe.
In addition, Marcus Rashford – who looked lost last season – has also thrived having been allowed to move out of Ronaldo's shadow.
The forward has managed five goal involvements in six Premier League games and would have got minutes for England during the international break had he not picked up a minor injury.
Thankfully, it looks as though he will be available for the derby, and it is imperative that he is allowed to continue his resurgence by spearheading the United counter-attack.
It's not like Ronaldo gave Ten Hag much to think about over the international break either, toiling badly in both of Portugal's Nations League games and looking like a pale imitation of his former, all-conquering self.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBe clinical in transition
For a long time, the key to beating Guardiola's side has been ensuring you take your opportunities on the rare occasions you manage to turn the ball over.
Newcastle and Aston Villa have already proved that this remains the formula for upsetting the odds this season, with Miguel Almiron and Leon Bailey both finishing well in transition in their sides' draws with City.
This should give United hope. When Ronaldo is omitted from the front three, they are able to string together effective counter-attacks with ease, thanks to the speed and skills of Rashford, Jadon Sancho and new signing Antony.
With star of the season so far Christian Eriksen sitting behind them, always perfectly poised to set the trio free with a signature ball over the top, United have the potential to cause City genuine problems at the Etihad.
Getty ImagesMake the most of free-kicks
Can we just shock you? City don't tend to give up many chances.
In fact, this season they have 'conceded' just 3.99 expected goals (xG) this season, an average of just 0.57 per game, suggesting there has been a slither of misfortune in them letting in as many as six strikes so far.
With opportunities likely to be at a premium, United would dearly love to convert their first free-kick of the season against City – as Newcastle did last month.
It's not like they're short of options either, with Rashford, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes all having proven a dead-ball threat in the past.
This one might be a bit of wishful thinking, but defying the odds – and the xG – will be key if United are to get a result.
GettyExploit the flanks
Squad-number purists were left fuming this summer when Joao Cancelo was handed the No.7 shirt.
However, it is hard to argue that the left-back does not deserve a number previously worn by some of the most potent creators in football history. After racking up 10 assists last season, Cancelo already has three this time out.
Yet, for all of his genius in the final third, the defender's positioning high up the pitch can often be exploited if his opponents think quickly.
Antony looks in line for a start at the Etihad and United will be looking to release him as much as possible.
The Brazilian looked a real handful on his Premier League debut and could make life difficult for Cancelo one-on-one.
