The last time Manchester United won the Manchester derby was December 2012 and they had a knight of the realm in the dugout. As the Christmas lights go up in 2014, United fans are hoping a run of three decisive defeats comes to an end this Sunday and Louis van Gaal's record in derby matches stands them in good stead.
The Order of Orange-Nassau is the Dutch equivalent of a knighthood and is awarded to people who deserve "special appreciation for their work in Dutch society." Unlike its British equivalent, it does not carry the title Sir, but is awarded by the Queen and is the highest Chivalric honour one can earn in the Netherlands. Naturally, Louis van Gaal has one.
Upon completion of his contract with Ajax, Van Gaal was awarded his knighthood. This he had earned after leading the side to three league titles, an unbeaten season and a European Cup.
In his subsequent posts with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AZ Alkmaar, he amassed 17 victories and six draws in 30 derbies. This Sunday will be his first with United and he will appreciate the gravity of victory.
The United manager will also appreciate how to exploit City's defensive shortcomings. Last Sunday against Chelsea, Van Gaal and his protege Jose Mourinho effectively cancelled each other out with their tactical chess. City manager Manuel Pellegrini remains oblivious to the nuances of meticulous planning.
"We cannot prepare for a game talking about one player. Because after it can happen that he doesn't play and we have to change all of what we do," the City boss said earlier this week, despite Sam Allardyce highlighting the ease with which he targeted Eliaquim Mangala in West Ham's 2-1 victory at the weekend.
"We really try to have a style of play every game," continued Pellegrini.
Surely the Manchester City manager must have noticed Angel Di Maria, though. Despite not being at his most effective against Chelsea, the United No. 7 still won and delivered the free kick that led to Robin van Persie's equaliser. It would be an obvious ruse if Van Gaal were to play him centrally to torment Mangala against City.
United are beginning to find their shooting boots and had scored 13 goals in the five games prior to the 1-1 draw with Chelsea. While Chelsea boast a ludicrously well-drilled back line, United were still able to open them up despite the loss of Rooney and Falcao to suspension and injury, respectively.
On the other side of town, City are in disarray at the moment. Although it is too early to deem their early dip in form a return to the days of "City-itis" and the inevitable shambolic collapses they are famous for, this has been a far from vintage period for the Citizens.
Their lack of a sustained impact on the Champions League rankles deeply with everyone in the club from top to bottom and, at present, they have no imperious league form to cushion the discomfort. Having Sam Allardyce thrust his tactical superiority in your face must be galling for anyone.
For some fans, any improvement on the woeful performances against the neighbours last year will be sufficient. After the 4-1 defeat at the Etihad, the alarm bells started ringing about David Moyes. By the time the return fixture, and a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford arrived, only the most bull-headed thought United would have the same manager at the end of the season.
United's new knight has all the credentials to put the club on the right track but results have only been middling so far. The Dutchman needs a landmark result to set the team off on a run of results. With City playing a clutch of games in different competitions in just a few days, this could be the time to strike.