Redemption for United, resumption for City.
These were the sentiments that greeted two midweek wins that were mouthwatering appetisers for the Manchester derby on Sunday night.
But if United’s victory was more dramatic, City’s return to normal service was more ominous.
A second successive win suggested that the Blues are over their blip and that Erling Haaland is over his.
Enough to send a shudder across Manchester and right through the heart of a shaky United defence.
It will be sobering news after the celebratory conclusion of an emotional night before.
For much of the Champions League tie against FC Copenhagen, it was as if they were still mourning the death of the legendary Bobby Charlton.
But the Red Devils like to leave things late: they haven’t forgotten Fergie Time.
In the middle of which an epic couple of minutes in Barcelona might be called ‘Sheringham and Solskjaer Time.’
Two weeks ago there was McTominay Time and now Onana Time.
But whether another risky reliance on the referee’s watch can even be considered for Sunday is another matter.
It’s the biggest game of the season so far: their once-noisy-but now-deafening neighbours will be at full volume.
And their Norwegian hitman has regained his appetite for goals.
So, although United’s run of three wins in a row has lifted the mood at Old Trafford, no one of a United persuasion is getting carried away.
They looked disorganised against the Danish champions as they did on those other occasions when late goals changed both the headlines and the narrative.
But for the Scott McTominay double against Brentford, they would have been slaughtered in the press and social media.
Diogo Dalot’s superb strike saved their blushes against bottom-of-the table Sheffield United.
And this week, had Andre Onana not pulled off his last-ditch penalty save, the critics would have had little mercy.
Booed off at halftime and second-best to a second-tier side, United would have been looking at a premature exit from a tournament to which they once ruled.
Now they have a chance as by the time Bayern Munich go to Old Trafford, they could have already qualified.
And the Danish champions look capable of taking more points off Galatasaray where United also have to go.
They won’t relish a return to “hell” where they once received a ‘welcome’ they’ll never forget.
The harsh truth is that their recent victories are glossing over some alarmingly bland performances.
We know that the mark of champions is to win when not playing well, but not even die-hard Devils are thinking this United can be champions of anything.
Each time it happens, everyone asks if this is the turning point. Will it spark a genuine revival?
Only for them to give their answer in the next game with another failure to ignite.
The reaction was the same again after the 1-0 on Wednesday morning (Malaysian time).
And this time came the suggestion that it might also be redemption time for both Onana and the even more maligned Harry Maguire.
Both found themselves in the unlikely role of match winners, with Onana’s save as vital as Maguire’s earlier header.
And it was good to see them smiling after a torrid few months.
But their performances were still some way short of reassuring.
Onana still had a moment of madness, while Maguire resembled a carthorse when Copenhagen broke early on to hit a post.
Just how he’s going to fare against Haaland is already causing brows to furrow on the Stretford End.
It’s just one of many duels in which City seem to be a class above their even-bigger spending neighbours.
Just compare the central defences and the riches Pep Guardiola has at his disposal – Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Ruben Dias, with Akanji and Nathan Ake in supporting roles.
And the magnificent Rodri in front of them.
Guardiola made seven changes for the game against Young Boys of Berne – a sure sign of where his priorities lie.
But a below-strength side still strolled to victory albeit not without a hiccup or two.
There is hope for United in that City have kept only three clean sheets in 14 games this season.
But when you look at some of the match-ups, you can see only one winner.
Kyle Walker, even at 33, still has the pace to curb the threat of Alejandro Garnacho, while on City’s weaker left side, there’s no one to take advantage.
Antony had a shocker against the Danes and looks unlikely to start.
On the other hand, United right-back Dalot could be in for a tough night against the dancing feet of Jeremy Doku.
At least Raphael Varane returned but Sofyan Amrabat, like Antony, was hooked by a frustrated Erik ten Hag who badly needs to turn things around to feel entirely safe.
Guardiola simply has more options among a wealth of stars – even in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne.
Bernardo Silva is back to full fitness, Phil Foden was given a night off in Switzerland while Julian Alvarez was afforded a late run out.
Ten Hag will have his work cut out combatting whatever formation Guardiola sends out.
So what does he do?
Go for the jugular or hang on and try to snatch something?
That is what it’s come to against the Treble winners as they can’t match them man to man.
Close calls against the likes of Brentford and Copenhagen are one thing; taking on the Treble winners is quite another.
Either way, it feels a pivotal game for United and one that could define their season.
For City, even defeat is unlikely to knock them off their perch.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.