Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag facing Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne dilemma ahead of Manchester derby

Within 12 seconds of Manchester United's defeat to Fulham there was a gaping chasm between Erik ten Hag's midfield and defence. Andreas Pereira had free rein on his return to Old Trafford.

Jamie Carragher's dismantling of Ten Hag's set up on Monday Night Football was alarming. Perhaps more alarming is the prospect of this space being filled by Kevin De Bruyne on Sunday when Manchester City play United at the Etihad - live on Sky Sports.

The City captain returned from injury to set up Erling Haaland for four goals in Tuesday's 6-2 win at Luton in the FA Cup last 16. Haaland scored five goals with his seven shots.

"It's coming, we're coming. We are ready to attack," Haaland told ITV after the game. A frightening warning which, reflective of United's poor season, is almost certainly aimed at City's title rivals.

Arsenal have laid claim to being the form team in recent weeks, scoring four against Newcastle, five against Burnley and six against West Ham after defeating Liverpool convincingly.

Jurgen Klopp's side have overcome every challenge thrown at them in the league to remain leaders despite an injury crisis. The momentum of last Sunday's Carabao Cup win must not be underestimated, either.

City, on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions, had been going about their business quietly. Now, it seems, Haaland has signalled they are ready to turn it on once again for the run-in.

What better occasion than the Manchester derby for City to make their own statement of intent?

Ten Hag faces this daunting prospect at a time when his position is under increasing scrutiny. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear the manager is in no immediate danger, although once the new sporting structure is assembled attention will undoubtedly turn to the