Manchester derby: How Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola outperformed five Manchester United coaches

In the past 10 years, United have come through the ‘special’ Jose Mourinho, the atmosphere of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the temporary reign of Ralf Rangnick, the tactician Erik Ten Hag, and the young hope of Amorim.

Everyone came and said goodbye to Guardiola, who joined City in July 2016.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher have also taken charge for short spells, while former Red Devils midfielder Carrick takes charge for a second time, as United turn to nostalgia once again in order to try to salvage a season that will end without a trophy.

After exiting at the first hurdle in both domestic cups, United are 17 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal – and a top-five finish to return to the Champions League would be labeled as something of a success.

But as United struggle to regain their identity, City’s remarkable process continues.

The latest iteration of Guardiola’s side looks like pushing the Gunners into the Championship, and the two sides could also meet in the Carabao Cup final.

Guardiola revamped his squad and staff in the summer – but the style of play and crest have remained the same since his “tiki-taka” days at Barcelona.

With 58.6% possession this season, City have the second highest on this metric behind only Liverpool. They have also made more opposition tackles and attempts than any other team, according to stats website FBref., external

United may also be fearful of hosting a Guardiola side who are top scorers in the division this season with 45 goals – and mercilessly put 10th-placed Exeter City in League One in the FA Cup last Saturday.

The team Carrick inherited have kept just two clean sheets in 21 league games this season, and the new coach must consider it a good job if they can snatch a third.