Man Utd were impressive against Man City but they have to make it stick – unlike they did a year ago against PSG

THIS time the big win needs to lead to bigger and better things.

It was a year ago last week that Manchester United enjoyed their famous night in Paris winning 3-1 against PSG to overturn a 2-0 first leg Champions League deficit on away goals.

Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes and goalscorer Anthony Martial celebrate an impressive win

“United are back,” declared Rio Ferdinand.

By the end of the season they most certainly were, back at square one as they won only two of their next 12 games after that night in the Parc des Princes.

Now 12 months on there is evidence that United could be on the right track again after this derby victory over Manchester City.

It is a tenth game unbeaten, eight clean sheets to go with that and now a third win of the season over their neighbour.

It is the first time they have done the league double over City in ten years, the first time they have beaten them at home in the league in five years.

While that is an achievement to remember it is not one United should dwell on as they seemed to a year ago after the miracle in the French capital.

Sir Alex’s great teams already had their sights set on the next game as the last strains of the referees full-time whistle were being heard.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer masterminded a brilliant win over rivals City – but has to make it stick

It was the same when silverware was lifted at the end of the season, it was a case of ‘now let’s go again’.

So this time United need to keep that foot down heavily on the pedal to take the momentum into the closing months of the season..

Winning a trophy would help and certainly the form they are in offers great chances on that score in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

They are starting to look more like an outfit that can continue this upward trend.

They have players wanting to wear for the shirt and a style that suits, not just the crowd but those asked to implement it.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes has been a major plus in the turnaround of late.

Indeed all the new players he has bought – Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire arrived in the summer – all look like hits after years of misses.

Credit also needs to go to Solskjaer for getting more out of what he already had.

His work with Anthony Martial, on target again with the derby winner, and Fred has been like buying two new players.

Credit too for Solskjaer holding his nerve.

This time last year, United beat PSG but their season soon fell apart

When doubts were raised this season as Mauricio Pochettino’s name hung heavily around him he stuck to his principles.

The fruit of that is now being seen.

Of course, we thought a year ago a massive corner had been turned, this time there can be no going back.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk