Manchester United must use well-deserved win as a springboard

What really matters is that it marks the start of something new

Manchester United's Luke Shaw (centre) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture: Dave Thompson/PA Wire.

Manchester United’s stunning performance at the Etihad has, just like 2018, delayed Manchester City’s inevitable coronation but this time the challenge is to make sure it counts for something — not just now but in the future.

The way United ended City’s unbeaten run of 28 games in all competitions suggests there is growing potential in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team even if, still 11 points behind the leaders, it is probably too much to ask for them to steal the title away from their rivals this season.