Sighs of exasperation were probably exhaled around Old Trafford when it was announced an already hectic January would be stuffed even further with the inclusion of a trip to Crystal Palace.
Manchester United already had to face their neighbours Manchester City and travel to take on table toppers Arsenal in a single week before another journey to London was wedged in. With a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final and FA Cup fourth-round tie to come afterwards. A busy month to say the least.
However, now the timing of the rearranged match-up with Palace has come at a time to give United an unexpected opportunity in their budding hopes for a Premier League title challenge. Erik ten Hag was first asked if winning the league was a possibility after the Bournemouth victory and did his best to pour cold water on the suggestion. That's just got a whole lot more difficult to do.
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Saturday's triumph in the derby, however fortunate, could well be season-defining. The comeback victory means City are only a point ahead of United and, as a result, they absolutely have to be considered a contender to lift the trophy come May. It's a huge testament to Ten Hag, as his revolution is moving quicker than even he could possibly have dreamed.
When the question was asked again on Saturday, the Dutchman gave supporters permission to dream even if he is trying to keep his team's feet on the ground. He said: "The fans may dream but we're not," Ten Hag said. "We have to keep our feet on the ground and then face that our game has a lot to improve.
"It can't happen that after half-time we lose so much control of the game, for instance, and then getting down is unnecessary. When we do the right things, when we follow the right rules, when we step up at the back in earlier moments we can control such moments and do the same as the first half.
"But it's also top football, the small details have a big impact and we have to keep working on that and keep investing in that. We improved, that's obvious. Still a long way to go, a long path to go, a lot of aspects in our game we have to improve but we're progressing, that's quite obvious."
Now United have the chance to deal yet another blow to their neighbours this week. United were supposed to have a rare midweek off but their away fixture with Palace - which was supposed to be held in September but was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II - was rearranged for January 18 at short notice. While undoubtedly adding to the workload, if United can pick up another win they will be two points ahead of City and jump up to second.
Pep Guardiola's side plays the following day against Tottenham and although Spurs are in free fall they are often City's bogey team and get wins when logic says they shouldn't. Having the extra pressure of slipping further down the table and given their poor form, it's easy to see them dropping more points.
United being above their rivals for the first time in what feels like years might just be as galvanising as the win itself and brew yet more confidence around the club that they could actually finally win the league again. 10 years on from their last.
Those dreams could easily take a hit at the weekend with a trip to the on-fire Arsenal, who comfortably won their own derby on Sunday without any of their usual panic. The Gunners are the pacesetters and haven't shown any signs of faltering just yet. But United can certainly go into the game full of confidence given they are the only team to beat them this season and are in an even better run of form.
Ten Hag can try all he likes to dispel the title talk but if his side gets through this week with another six points it will only get louder.
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