Everyone knew when Sir Alex Ferguson left his role as Manchester United manager in 2013 that he would be a tough act to follow.
However, even the biggest pessimist would not have envisaged that the Red Devils would fail to win another Premier League title after his exit.
To make matters worse, local rivals Manchester City have lifted the trophy seven times since then and are challenging for the crown again this season.
A quick look at the Premier League head-to-head between the two clubs from the 2013/14 season onwards further highlights how the balance of power has shifted.
- Sep 22, 2013 – Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United
- Mar 25, 2014 – Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City
- Nov 2, 2014 – Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
- Apr 12, 2015 – Manchester United 4-2 Manchester City
- Oct 25, 2015 – Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
- Mar 20, 2016 – Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
- Sep 10, 2016 – Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
- Apr 27, 2017 – Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United
- Dec 10, 2017 – Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
- Apr 7, 2018 – Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United
- Nov 11, 2018 – Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
- Apr 24, 2019 – Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
- Dec 7, 2019 – Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
- Mar 8, 2020 – Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
- Dec 12, 2020 – Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
- Mar 7, 2021 – Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United
- Nov 6, 2021 – Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
- Mar 6, 2022 – Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United
- Oct 2, 2022 – Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United
- Jan 14, 2023 – Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
- Oct 29, 2023 – Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City
- Mar 3, 2024 – Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
- Dec 15, 2024 – Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
- Apr 6, 2025 – Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
- Sep 14, 2025 – Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United
- Jan 17, 2026 – Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
United’s recent resurgence could be the catalyst for change
Having dominated the Premier League during the Ferguson era, United have suffered a steadily decline under a succession of different managers.
Their record of nine victories in 26 Manchester derbies since his exit highlight that United are no longer the top dogs in their own city.
Tipping the scales back in their favour will be no easy task, but is an element the club needs to achieve if it is return to the status it earned under Ferguson.
The recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick is a step in the right direction, although it is imperative that the club does not get too far ahead of itself.
Having said that, the recent 2-0 victory over City may ultimately become a result that fans look upon as the turning point in the rivalry between the two clubs.
Carrick did a decent enough job in his previous role at Middlesbrough, but ultimately failed to guide them into the Premier League.
Many fans accused him of having no ‘plan B‘, and it would be fair to say that plenty of teams had worked out how to play against Boro towards the end of his tenure.
However, the 44-year-old has already shown signs that he has learned from his previous mistakes, with his in-game decision making looking vastly improved up to this point.
Steve Holland is a shrewd addition as Carrick’s assistant. His previous experience could strengthen Carrick’s case to be handed the job permanently.
If Carrick guides United into next season’s Champions League, the clamour for him to be given the opportunity to continue in the role will become deafening.
The dearth of viable alternatives increases Carrick’s chances of remaining at the club, but he must demonstrate that can build on the foundations he has laid.
Anything less than Champions League qualification would equate to failure, so the final 12 games of the season are hugely important to Carrick.
Over on the other side of the city, the noisy neighbours are in contention to win four trophies this term. United fans will be hoping they finish the campaign empty-handed.
Regardless of what they achieve between now and the end of the season, it is not unreasonable to think that the balance of power could be about to shift in Manchester.
The ongoing case regarding alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period still hang heavily over Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s long-term future continues be the subject of debate, raising further questions about whether City can maintain their current superiority.
Either or both of those elements could have a seismic impact on the dynamic between the two Manchester clubs over the next few years.
If neither issue comes into play, United could still flip the current narrative on its head if they can use the last few weeks as fuel for meaningful change.
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