In the past 10 years, United have cycled through ‘the Special One’ Jose Mourinho, the vibe of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the interim reign of Ralf Rangnick, the tactician Erik ten Hag and the young hope in Amorim.

All have come in and been seen off by Guardiola, who joined City in July 2016.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher have also been in post for short caretaker spells, while former Red Devils midfielder Carrick takes charge for a second time as United turn to nostalgia once more in order to try to salvage a season that will end without silverware.

Knocked out at the first hurdle in both domestic cups, United are 17 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal – and a top-five finish to return to the Champions League would be classed as some sort of success.

But as United struggle to regain an identity, City’s slick operation rolls on.

The latest iteration of Guardiola’s squad look like pushing the Gunners all the way in the top flight, and the sides could also meet in the Carabao Cup final.

Guardiola refreshed both his squad and staff in the summer – but the playing style and mantra have remained the same since the ‘tiki-taka’ days at Barcelona.

With 58.6% possession this season, City have the second-highest average in that metric behind only Liverpool. They have also had more touches of the ball and more attempted take-ons of opponents than any other side, according to statistics website FBref., external

United may also be fearful of hosting a Guardiola side who are the top scorers in the division this season with 45 goals – and mercilessly put 10 past League One team Exeter City in the FA Cup last Saturday.

The team Carrick has inherited have kept only two clean sheets in 21 league games this term and the new boss should consider it a job well done if they manage to claw out a third.