Man Utd show signs of life, but City offer real test

Manchester United's season has spluttered into second gear with a run of three successive victories but the sceptics are not convinced and Erik Ten Hag's side face the ultimate test of their credentials at home to Manchester City this weekend.

Dutchman Ten Hag was staring into the abyss when his side trailed Brentford 1-0 with stoppage time looming earlier this month but two late goals spared his blushes.

Another not-too-convincing victory at bottom club Sheffield United last weekend was admirable in its own way following the news of club great Bobby Charlton's death before kickoff.

Again in midweek, United were unimpressive as they beat FC Copenhagen 1-0 at Old Trafford to kickstart their Champions League campaign - Harry Maguire's goal and a stoppage time penalty save by Andre Onana getting them out of trouble.

Wins are wins, however, and the mood will be a little more buoyant as they prepare to host Pep Guardiola's City, who themselves are back in the groove after a slight blip.

City suffered consecutive league defeats before the international break but have answered any doubts with wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and then at Young Boys on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Guardiola will need no reminding that City lost at Old Trafford last year, having crushed United 6-3 at home. City also won the FA Cup final against United on their way to matching the Reds' treble of 1999.

While United have flattered to deceive this season, victory on Sunday would move them to within three points of City and former City striker Sergio Aguero warns that United can be dangerous when up against the wall.

"I don't think United have ever been weak. They've always had great players and they've always shown that ability to recover from bad