Guardiola is downcast

At the beginning of this month, Harvey Barnes of Leicester made a determined run down the left wing at the King Power Stadium, but Diogo Dalot was able to prevent him from making a cross. Because of the block, the ball was deflected toward Barnes, and as a result, Manchester United's Diogo Dalot won a goal-kick for his team.

That goal-kick was celebrated by Dalot in the manner that one would anticipate him doing after scoring at the other end of the field. He erupted into action, punching the air and shouting while also pumping his chest against Lisandro Martinez, who retorted with a roar and a passionate outburst of his own. He started punching the air and shouting while also pumping his chest against Lisandro Martinez. In addition, Raphael Varane gave Dalot a forceful high five, and Scott McTominay gave him a loving slap on the cheek.

United were leading Leicester by one goal with twenty minutes left to play when Dalot energized his team, and there is a possibility that this moment contributed to United's victory over Leicester. That night, Leicester played poorly, but United defended exceptionally well and showed commendable tenacity.

It was a commanding defensive performance, and that particular moment of passion in the 70th minute encapsulated the shift in mentality that Erik ten Hag is trying to implement in the locker room, which has been helped by his summer signings. The moment occurred in the 70th minute, and it epitomized the shift.

Ten Hag requested characters, and he has delivered on that request by bringing them to the club. During his time in Amsterdam, fans of Ajax gave Lisandro Martinez the nickname "The Butcher," and the center back has been credited with contributing to the increased levels of intensity and aggression.

On the field, Martinez embodies the stereotypical fiery South American, and his teammates relish the opportunity to engage in battle alongside him because of the contagious nature of his fervor. United was victorious in none of the fights that were meaningful during the previous season, but they have received reinforcements.

Eriksen is another one of those people who leads by example, and his dedication is unquestionable. He has restored equilibrium to the middle of the field, which has encouraged Manchester United to garner as many points as possible from their most recent four Premier League contests through encouraging play.

There have been positive signs, such as the level of aggression that United's players have shown in matches, but it is still too early to tell if United has truly turned a corner or not. Despite the fact that it is too soon to tell, there have been positive signs. One of many illustrations is the Dalot moment that occurred against Leicester.

United were too easy to beat and often spineless the previous season, which should be the ultimate insult to any professional, but the mentality in the dressing room is gradually changing and recent performances have been pleasing in that regard. Recent performances have been pleasing in that regard.

The pressing has been effective, midfield duels have been won, and competition for the ball has been fierce, and it has been a far cry from the worst days of the previous season. United is playing in a combative manner, and they will require this mindset when they play on Sunday afternoon.

Even though Manchester City will have more possession during the Manchester derby, Manchester United will still be able to demonstrate their superiority in other areas, such as the battle for each individual duel. This has been a season in which Man City has demonstrated that they are susceptible in this area.

Both Newcastle and Aston Villa have played to a draw against Guardiola's team, and both teams were able to accomplish this through strategic and aggressive play. They did not show Man City the respect that they typically garner, and they played the game using a strategy that involved taking no risks and earning nothing in return.

United has a chance to take something away from their game against Man City this weekend if they apply pressure at the right times and prevail in the various battles that occur on the field. The reigning champions of the Premier League appeared rattled when they visited St. James' Park a month ago because Newcastle played without any fear.

Ralf Rangnick attempted to make United's players more aggressive during the previous season, but he failed miserably. Pep Guardiola commented on Ralf Rangnick's failure after Manchester City defeated United 4-1 in the Manchester derby in March. "From the very first minute, it was top-notch all the way through. We had a fantastic performance, "Guardiola said

"In the first step, we need to know exactly where the space is in the build-up for that rhythm, and we need to have patience while doing so. Ralf Rangnick made an effort to instill a new mentality into United. He desired for them to display a greater level of aggression. It is time to start running when we are within striking distance of McTominay and Fred."

En Hag is making slow but steady progress toward achieving what Rangnick was unable to do by altering the mentality of the club.

It is possible to take advantage of the fact that Man City appear to be vulnerable when facing opponents who are aggressive.