If Erling Haaland is getting criticised for 11 goals in 13 games, what must he think of the form of Manchester United's forwards? Between them, United's four attackers this season have just six goals while Manchester City's number 10 Julian Alvarez has seven on his own. Pep Guardiola said this week that people 'want Haaland to fail', and even suggested he doesn't judge his free-scoring striker on goals.
Haaland vs Maguire could be a mismatch on par with last week's battle between Jeremy Doku and James Milner, especially if Haaland can get space to run into behind Maguire. Add Alvarez's clever positioning and Phil Foden's form as a second number ten, and the two centre-backs will have their hands full.
City are usually good at taking different games in isolation and moving on quickly from setbacks. They did so last year to win three trophies, and will take confidence from their two huge derby wins as well as a narrow defeat. If they can silence Old Trafford for the first time in two years, maybe then they will think back to the Fernandes call.
Having lost against Wolves and Arsenal earlier this month, there is little room for manoeuvre in the next six games if City don't want to leave too much to do in the run-in. With Tottenham leading the way, and Liverpool looking better than last season, any mistake will be jumped on by City's rivals.