Once Manchester United got into top gear en route to a 4-2 derby defeat of Manchester City, Manuel Pellegrini’s men were unable to cope, the manager shouldering the blame for their humiliating loss.

Manchester was painted red on Sunday as, courtesy of goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling, United silenced their traditionally neighbours 4-2 at Old Trafford.

Ex-England international refused to be drawn into making a prediction, stating that the latest meeting of the Mancunian giants was too close to call.

Manchester United, the 13-time Premier League champions, sit one point and one place above last season’s winners and will be looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat at City earlier in the season to all but secure a Champions League berth next season.

While Manchester City target an unprecedented five straight wins over United on Sunday, equally the Red Devils have never lost five straight league games against their fierce rivals as history beckons at Old Trafford.

Levenshulme bakery Life of Pie has created two mouth-watering savoury pies to celebrate Sunday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.

Greater Manchester Police have warned fans to be on their best behaviour ahead of Sunday’s derby battle between United and City at Old Trafford.

United dispatched relegation-threatened Aston Villa in confident fashion at Old Trafford, with a Ander Herrera double and a sublime Wayne Rooney strike sealing a 3-1 triumph to lift Van Gaal’s team into third.

Phil Neville may not have known how to cook up until three months ago, but he now has his eyes set on owning his own restaurant within the next two years.

Ex-England international and Manchester United forward Dion Dublin has worked extensively in the media since retiring, and has appeared as a guest on the BBC’s Match of the Day programmes on numerous occasions.

England duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have impressed in United’s last two Premier League fixtures – victories over Tottenham and Liverpool respectively – that have put Champions League qualification well within their grasp.