It looks as though Manchester City are entering a period when they can seriously compete with their red rivals for the first time since the early 1970's.
City actually sent Manchester United down back in 1974, with a cheeky goal from United legend Denis Law, playing on that day in the blue of City. Since then though, it has generally been United who've been able to lay claim to being the more successful of the two Manchester clubs.
They entered a golden period, of course, after 1990, when an FA Cup win triggered a period of domination under the management of Alex Ferguson that has continued until the present day.
Now though, City have been revitalised by a huge influx of cash from their new owner, Sheikh Mansour of Dubhai, whose financial resources dwarf even United's, and fans of the Citizens can expect a much more even level of competition between the two sides over coming seasons.
That prospect doesn't bother United boss Alex Ferguson though, who is relishing the new challenge City are posing.
"My challenge is to make sure we are top," said the United boss. "The great thing about this club is that we accept a challenge."
The challenge when Ferguson took over was to better the Liverpool side that had been so dominant during the 70's and 80's: a challenge he took on and completed with massive success.
"When I came here, what was the challenge? Liverpool.
"Would I prefer Liverpool or Man City to be above me? Neither. My job is to make sure it doesn't happen."
Whether Ferguson has the time or the heart for another such challenge is questionable, and it may yet be one or two seasons before City are the finished article, but the Scotsman is still treating the Sky Blues with a measure of respect, especially their little Brazilian talisman, Robinho.
"His goal last Sunday against Arsenal was fantastic," said Ferguson. "The audacity and composure were absolutely brilliant. He produces these moments."
Ferguson will hope that one such moment doesn't occur tomorrow in the City of Manchester Stadium.
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