Man City's gap to Manchester United is far greater than the Premier League table suggests

After this week’s set of midweek fixtures, many have alluded to the fact that Manchester United are only three points off Manchester City despite having a supposedly turgid season.

United could draw level with the Blues today ahead of City facing off against lowly Luton Town on Sunday. Erik ten Hag was given Premier League manager of the month for November after winning all three of his matches without conceding. But it was also a month where United lost 3-0 to Newcastle in the League Cup and 4-3 to Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, City qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with two matchdays to spare having faced Chelsea and Liverpool. The holders drew both of those games before being held to another against Tottenham at the start of this month.

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The defeat to Aston Villa was a sour result to take and only further underlined the importance of the suspended Rodri, but Unai Emery’s side are now third in the table having had a brilliant season so far. Later this month, City fly to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Club World Cup amid a winter schedule that is busy but manageable. Luton and Crystal Palace are up next ahead of the flight to Asia while Everton and Sheffield United await upon their return.

In contrast, United still need to play several tough matches. Trips to Liverpool and West Ham follow Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth, while a Boxing Day bout with Aston Villa is not the most envious Christmas present. Furthermore, United’s 3-0 win was the first and only time this season they have won by more than one goal. Victories against Burnley,