There may be optimism at Manchester United but there's a grey cloud looming ahead of their long-awaited return to action.
United are finally back competing in the Premier League on Sunday after nearly a month off but there will be no gentle easing back into things. Oh no. Their first game back will be against Manchester City. In recent years the prospect of the Manchester derby has become a daunting one, even more so after last season's two complete surrenders to their fierce rivals.
Not this time though. For the first time in a long time, United actually have cause to be a little hopeful that a positive result against the neighbours could be possible. Before the disruption, Erik ten Hag had turned his side around and begun a fine run of form. Four wins in succession, two of them coming against old foes Liverpool and Arsenal.
