Critics were calling November a 'make-or-break' month for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager and it has been so far, so good as the Red Devils gear up for Sunday's huge Premier League derby clash with Manchester City.
Successive 2-1 wins over Everton, Bournemouth and Juventus have raised hopes of a shock United with at the home of their fierce rivals this weekend, although they are still as big as 8/1 to win the game with bookmakers - we take a look at three reasons why Red Devils fans should be hopeful on Sunday...
Jose Mourinho's Record At Manchester City
Mourinho's record against Pep Guardiola leaves plenty to be desired as he has won just five of his 21 meetings with the Spaniard, drawing six and losing ten, although their head-to-head record since moving to Manchester is very even - the pair have won two apiece and drawn one of their five meetings in England.
In fact, Mourinho tends to enjoy visiting The Etihad as he has lost only three of his ten managerial visits to City - won four, drawn three - and he is yet to lose there as manager of Manchester United manager.
The Red Devils' two visits to The Etihad under Mourinho ended with a crime against football that will forever be known as 'Red Monday' when they drew 0-0, before United produced a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 last season. On a side note, Alexis Sanchez played a starring role in the comeback last term as he provided two assists to enhance a very decent personal record at The Etihad, where he has scored one goal and laid on three assists in his last four appearances.
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Martial On Fire
The improved form of Anthony Martial has been a cause for delight amongst United fans as the Frenchman has scored five goals in his past four Premier League appearances, and his rejuvenation from sinner to saint under Mourinho has been remarkable.
The 22-year-old appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford when the club fined him for returning late to pre-season training following the birth of his child, although he has flourished on the pitch in recent weeks to emerge as one of United's most important players.
The Frenchman could enjoy going up against Kyle Walker, who has been prone to the odd 'brain fade' on the right-hand side of City's defence of late, albeit Martial is yet to score against the Citizens. Could it be sixth time lucky on Sunday?
The Improved Form Of Victor Lindelof
Like Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof looked destined for the Old Trafford scrap heap earlier this season, although the Swedish centre-half has been earning rave reviews from United fans for his performances of late.
Lindelof has looked far more assured, particularly in European games, in recent months and he will have to be on top of his game when he goes up against City's Sergio Aguero, who has scored seven Premier League goals during this campaign.
Aguero has scored seven in ten previous league appearances against Untied and he will be the ultimate test of how far Lindelof has come.
