Manchester United go into Sunday's derby with plenty of trepidation and justifiably so. Not once this season has Erik ten Hag's side put in a convincing performance against a top team.
Arguably United's best wins against top-class opposition came against Aston Villa, but both victories in the league were narrow.
Unai Emery's team were 2-0 up at Old Trafford on boxing day before United came back to win 3-2, whilst the recent victory at Villa Park saw them hang on in a 2-1 win.
The Red Devils were unbeaten in 2024 until their disjointed performances caught up with them in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham last weekend. READ MORE: 'I know him really well' - Fulham boss says Bruno Fernandes is suffering from 'Man United effect' after TikTok row READ MORE: Manchester United 'made offer' to Kylian Mbappe and other transfer rumours On top of their struggles to put together a solid 90 minutes of controlled football, United have also been hit hard with injuries.