There may be optimism at Manchester United but there's a grey cloud looming ahead of their long-awaited return to action.
United are finally back competing in the Premier League on Sunday after nearly a month off but there will be no gentle easing back into things. Oh no. Their first game back will be against Manchester City. In recent years the prospect of the Manchester derby has become a daunting one, even more so after last season's two complete surrenders to their fierce rivals.
Not this time though. For the first time in a long time, United actually have cause to be a little hopeful that a positive result against the neighbours could be possible. Before the disruption, Erik ten Hag had turned his side around and begun a fine run of form. Four wins in succession, two of them coming against old foes Liverpool and Arsenal.
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While City in the meanwhile have remained undefeated in all competitions and increased their firepower tenfold with the addition of Erling Haaland, there does seem to be a newfound fragility to them. They've conceded more goals than Brighton and the same as Everton this season and have had to rescue points on three occasions after falling behind. That, of course, shows they're now much better at fighting adversity than they once were but the fact they're having to do it so much already must concern Pep Guardiola. They can be vulnerable and can be exploited.
United have shown already that they can be really damaging to teams on the counter, thanks to Christian Eriksen's accurate and pacey passing in the transition and the lightning speed up front. The Blues' biggest weakness is teams breaking their press and getting in being them with speed. A lot of things add up to give United a great chance on Sunday.
But then there's that cloud. It's looking highly likely that a big aspect of United's new dynamic and deadly front three won't be available for the derby. Marcus Rashford, who has found his form again, picked up an ankle injury after scoring twice in the win over Arsenal. Despite Ten Hag's early optimism that it wouldn't be a lengthy injury, it doesn't seem to be the case.
Rashford missed the two following Europa League games and, despite having the international break to get better, hasn't trained with his teammates all week. It's likely that he will miss out. With Anthony Martial still sidelined with an Achilles injury that leaves United incredibly light on attacking options.
The only other natural striker available is Cristiano Ronaldo but he has not started since the 4-0 defeat to Brentford and looks increasingly ill-suited to Ten Hag's system. He may have scored from the penalty spot against FC Sheriff last time out but he hasn't been in good form, which even extended to the international break when playing for Portugal.
Ronaldo simply doesn't have the mobility to fulfil Ten Hag's needs for a striker and against City that would become even more apparent. Starting him would be a massive risk but there aren't a whole lot of other options.
Ten Hag may opt to play one of Jadon Sancho or Antony in the central role but that would see United lose their influence on the flanks. Instead, one wildcard pick that could have two benefits, is Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has slowly been returning to his best in recent weeks and has really grown since being given the armband in the absence of Harry Maguire. It would be a shame to move him out of his midfield position but he may be the best alternative. He is mobile and energetic enough to lead the press and to keep up with counterattacks, while also having the ability to be decisive in front of goal.
Shifting the No.8 further forward would also leave a slot open in midfield for Ten Hag to bring Casemiro into the fold. The Brazilian's defensive qualities and ability to wind up City with constant fouling without being booked (as was seen in the recent clash between the Blues and Real Madrid in the Champions League) would be a huge benefit for the match but whose place should he take?
Scott McTominay has stepped up to the plate after being criticised and has really performed for the new manager, with his athleticism and fire being a real asset in disrupting City's flow. Christian Eriksen has been sublime and his distribution will be crucial to any win. United's midfield has been great as of late and their qualities will be needed if United are to be victorious.
But if Fernandes can be shifted forward slightly then Casemiro can also be added to the pot to add a bit more defensive steel and canniness against the brilliance of City. The change would make United even more solid but keep the pace on the counter, which wouldn't be the case if Ronaldo came in.
It's not ideal but if Rashford is out then Ten Hag may be forced to play a wildcard.
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