Over the past 13 years, Manchester City - rather than Manchester United - have become England's most-dominant force.
As Pep Guardiola's side have risen to the summit, the Red Devils have regressed. They have become a talking point for all the wrong reasons, a constant negative headline in waiting.
Guardiola has outlasted many during his time in the dugout.
Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim have all come and gone unable to bring the glory days back. The citizens have conquered while the devils have diminished.
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But in Michael Carrick, United have hope. This was the 44-year-old's first match in charge. He went into the game with many former players, not least Roy Keane, questioning his credentials, nous and whether he should have the keys to the biggest land of them all.
United were outstanding on Saturday afternoon. Absolutely outstanding.
Roared on by a raucous Old Trafford crowd, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were the matchwinners. Both men, signed by Ruben Amorim, delivered the goods to fire the fallen giants to a 2-0 win over their fierce rivals.
GB News now takes a look at some talking points from the game.
United might not be dead after all
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Man Utd against Man City
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United have no Carabao Cup or FA Cup football to contend with.
They are, however, now up to fourth in the Premier League table - with Mbeumo's goal boosting their chances of playing in the Champions League next season.
This performance was electrifying and exciting at the same time. It will fill every supporter with confidence that maybe, just maybe, they can rub shoulders with Europe's elite once again.
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Michael Carrick was thrilled as Manchester United impressed against Man City
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Everybody in a red shirt did their part, from Mbeumo to the amazing Amad Diallo, from the hard rock that is Harry Maguire to the much-maligned, yet still occasionally magical, Casemiro.
Next up will be Arsenal, who are the biggest beneficiaries of today's result. Should they overcome Nottingham Forest, they'll be confident of title glory.
United, finally, have something to truly build on.
Lisandro Martinez silences his critics
Earlier this week, Lisandro Martinez was cruelly mocked by Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Both dismissed the Argentina international, expressing a belief that he was incapable of dealing with the towering powerhouse that is Erling Haaland.
But Martinez has silenced them both, now.
United have missed him dearly. He has had injury issues galore, hampering his time at the club. When fully fit, however, the Red Devils are a far stronger prospect.
Hammer blow for City
Erling Haaland was subdued as Man City lost to Man Utd at Old Trafford
|GETTY
City are undeniably better than they were 12 months ago.
But there is still a sense that Guardiola's men are short of the quality that made them such a dominant force.
They were flat throughout the showdown, with Senne Lammens barely tested in the United goal. Poor from start to finish.
This defeat will hurt. Their title hopes are now in tatters.
When do the two teams play next?
United are next in action against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday (4.30pm).
As for City, they'll be seeking a return to winning ways when they face Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday (5.45pm).