Pep Guardiola's side made history in Jeddah last week as they were crowned world champions, and also enjoyed a terrific night for their young players in Belgrade earlier in the month. However, their struggles in the Premier League have continued with a collapse at home to Crystal Palace meaning it is only one win in six.
Liverpool's draw with Arsenal during City's absence has ensured no team has sped away in the league table, meaning the champions are not at risk of being left adrift. But the sooner they start winning league games the better as they aim to win an unprecedented fourth title in a row.
As City return to domestic action, here are some of the talking points for the game.
■ DEFENCE MUST DO BETTER
City haven't been good enough defensively this season. You could argue that's because they haven't been good enough in attack, but the simple matter is that they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 10 games and that was against United.
Denne historien er fra December 27, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra December 27, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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.
