Pep Guardiola has already told Erik ten Hag how Man United can beat Man City

Erik ten Hag knows exactly how Manchester United can beat Manchester City on Sunday, all thanks to Pep Guardiola.

This season's first Manchester derby takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, October 2. Ten Hag will walk out the tunnel and get his first experience of the most-eagerly awaited fixture in the city's football calendar.

City got the better of United last season both home and away, as Guardiola's side won 2-0 at Old Trafford and 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium. It was a tumultuous season for the Reds that saw both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick leave the club.

ALSO READ: Raphael Varane reveals what Christian Eriksen has brought to Manchester United

Ten Hag has brought a new wave of optimism to the club. United have been a different team under the Dutchman compared to last season, even perhaps since the full-time whistle blew in West London, as the Reds have a chance to make it five successive Premier League wins against their rivals this weekend.

United's new manager has proven he is capable of adapting to each opponent where necessary. The 3-1 victory over Arsenal demonstrated that Ten Hag has a great sense of match awareness, a vital skill for any Premier League manager.

Mikel Arteta's side were put to the sword as they failed to cope with United's devastating counter-attack at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford's pace opened up the Gunners as he took full advantage of the space left behind their back four.

A similar tactic may well be employed when United face City this weekend, as Guardiola has already revealed the way for Ten Hag's side to claim all three points.

Speaking to Sky Sports last season, he said: "The reason why [City's defensive record is so good] is because 67 per cent of the time we have