As the Etihad crowd chanted ‘we want seven’ at the weekend it seemed fairly clear that only one of Manchester’s teams realistically stand any chance of lifting the Premier League in May.
United meanwhile were three up in no time at Fulham leaving fans reveling in delight at the return of their ruthless devils.
However, when they checked the live scores hearts must have sunk as they saw that anything they can do City can do better.
While United stuttered in the second half City were rampant adding goal after goal to humiliate the Canaries and make a statement of intent.
With United taking on table-topping Arsenal this weekend the outlook is bleak.
The Gunners look unstoppable at present and are coming off the back of a terrific 2-0 win against Liverpool.
However, while City hit Norwich for seven it is United fans who should be optimistic.
Moyes’ boys have already played their toughest fixtures and showed against Real Sociedad and Fulham that they are starting to gel.
The Reds may have failed to add to their first half goals against Fulham but three injuries forced Moyes into a triple substitution which drastically reduced the ruthless momentum United had built.
Furthermore, Craven Cottage has frequently been a thorn in United’s side.
In their last six league visits to the Cottage United have won three, lost two and drawn one. This is the kind of record you would expect United to have at Stamford Bridge or the Emirates not lowly Fulham.
While City may have beaten United this season and battered Norwich it is United who can make a real claim to the title by beating Arsene Wenger’s men on Sunday and a victory against high-flying Arsenal would galvanize everyone at the club.
The fans would begin to believe, the players would see that they can still do it and, most importantly, David Moyes would know that he fully deserves the seat formerly occupied by the greatest manager in history.
There is little doubt that the North London side are playing scintillating football since the record signing of Mezut Ozil but United are the champions and have started to play like it.
United’s future may appear uncertain but Arsenal’s certainly isn’t; the Gunners can always be guaranteed to have a psychological breakdown and throw their good form away.
When United dominate Sunday’s match the first real statement of the season will have been made: the teething process is over, Manchester United are the champions, write them off at your peril.
Image courtesy of SkySports via YouTube, with thanks
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