Erik ten Hag is already planning for Manchester United's showpiece matches in the coming weeks as they look to sustain momentum.
United have won their last seven games and could equal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's eight-match winning streak as caretaker manager with victory over Charlton Athletic in the League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.
That precedes the second Manchester derby of the season and a trip to Arsenal on January 22. United could also draw City in the League Cup semi-finals this month if both clubs progress.
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"I think we have a good belief," Ten Hag said. "I think first of all it's about that we keep the freshness. There are so many games and I think with one or two players I could see the load was high, so we have to also make sure we get the right balance in load and relaxation and the players keep fresh for the good games that are coming, good challenges.
"We know when you want to face the big games - City, Arsenal, also Leeds - your physical performance has to be top. Do you want a chance to win those games?
"So that is what we have to work for, that is a responsibility first for the player - what are they doing in their free time to get ready for the next game because they've got to be tough, they've got to be high intensity.
"And then when we play in the discipline we have a chance to win those games also and we've already proved."
Ten Hag is certain to rotate the team for the visit of League One Charlton. "I have in my mind, but it's in the background, I have a plan. But first I go to sleep, go overnight, I will draw that plan and we go into the next game."
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