Pep Guardiola could be about to show Man City have got exactly what Manchester United don't

Pep Guardiola may look over at Erik ten Hag and feel a hint of sympathy for the pressure his opposite number is facing - although that will dissipate come Sunday.

Manchester United might have three consecutive wins under their belt but before that, had endured their worst start to a season for 39 years. None of those three victories have been convincing and frustration is growing across the other side of the city.

Guardiola will understand that progress in football is not linear and patience is golden, having finished third in his first season as a Premier League manager. There were never any serious questions over his future in that time, and so on Sunday he will enjoy derby number 20.

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This particular trip to Old Trafford will also hand Guardiola a second attempt to become the first City boss to win away against three different United managers in the English top flight. He failed to beat Ten Hag last season but holds away-day victories over Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Guardiola had seen off three permanent managers at United before Ten Hag's arrival and that consistency goes a long way to explaining City's success. The Catalan is in his eighth season and has spent those years building a squad fit for his demands.

City would never deny that they have spent big money during Guardiola's reign but what they have also done is buy smart. Having one manager for almost a decade makes it far easier to recruit for a certain style and if players don't hit the ground running, they are safe in the knowledge that the man who wanted them will still be there beyond summer.

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