There was a feeling around the Manchester derby last season that, in many ways, was relatively new for those who follow City.
United had it when they began to dominate English football in the 1990s, the knowledge that they effectively just had to turn up and play properly to beat City.
The roles were reversed 12 months ago, however, and never at any stage did anything other than two Blue victories seem likely. So it proved: 2-0 at Old Trafford with 68 per cent possession, 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium with 70 per cent possession.
Over the three hours of action, United were only level for 18 minutes — the gulf between the teams was colossal.