CITY could be the kings of the world tomorrow night but might spend Christmas watching their Premier League rivals disappearing into the distance.
The Blues face Fluminese in Jeddah at the end of this week with a chance to be crowned world champions and win an unprecedented fifth trophy in 2023, a tally never before matched by an English club.
But their grip on one of those crowns is loosening ever so slightly and while City are focusing on foreign policy this week, domestic matters are overtaking them back home.
Aston Villa could go top of the league the same night the Blues face the South American champions.
On Saturday night it is Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield, while City's fixture with Brentford has been postponed and will be played at a later date.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 21, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 21, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
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Youngster Toby open to Old Trafford January exit
UNITED midfielder Toby Collyer is open to a move to a Championship club this month if a suitable offer emerges.
Even United's 'untouchables' are not safe
SIR Jim Ratcliffe hasn't been afraid of making difficult decisions in his 11 months in charge at Old Trafford, and if a good offer arrives for Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho this month, you can be certain sentimentality won't be priced into the equation.
Young forward recalled from Latics loan move
UNITED have recalled striker Joe Hugill from Wigan Athletic.
Club chiefs ready to play hardball on new contracts
UNITED'S efforts to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules could force them to sell one of their homegrown players.
Josh may not be success, but he deserves respect
REGARDLESS of your opinion of Joshua Zirkzee as a footballer and whether United should have signed him, the chances are you felt sorry for him as he faced a chorus of boos from his own supporters when he was substituted in the first half against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week.
Rash could be feeling pressure of 'being local'
FORMER United winger Lee Sharpe believes the pressures of being a local player could be one of the reasons Marcus Rashford wants to quit Old Trafford.
Frankfurt's message to Txiki: 'Show us the money
YOU know you are trying to buy a player from the Bundesliga when there are quotes from the selling club's executives in the papers every day.
RIO HAPPY WITH DESIRE IN ANFIELD CLASH
UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has praised the effort and desire the Reds showed in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, insisting the players now have an understanding of what Ruben Amorim expects.
Numbers all add up for Omar to make switch
THERE was a moment shortly after Jack Grealish signed for City back in 2021 when he walked into the dressing room at the Etihad Stadium to see his new shirt for the first time.
Striker needed who can make big IMPACT
AT least Ruben Amorim has promised United will 'try to do something. Goals win games and the Reds do not have a goalscorer. They have won two games in nine and scored 11.
