Manchester United 2008 or City 2017?

Wayne Rooney claimed Manchester City still had a way to go to match Ferguson's 2008 team, but having taken 52 league points out of a possible 54, the Citizens currently look unstoppable.

Now at Everton, Rooney was part of United's Premier League and Champions League winners of 2008, leading the line alongside the likes of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their work in tandem was a sight to relish and their pace on the break allowed them to tear through teams at ease.

The trio registered impressive numbers, which could eventually be matched by the free-flowing front four at Guardiola's disposal. Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero all share the three spots available in attack and they always deliver when called upon.

Both City's 2017 team and United's 2008 side banged in the goals week after week, and this was not just down to the quality of their strikers. The service from midfield plays a huge role, with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes standing out for United and David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne dictating City's moves. All four playmakers share the innate ability to slice open defences, backed of course by their trusted henchmen. Fernandinho and Michael Carrick lurk in the shadows, providing balance and breaking up play for others to shine.

Two of the biggest teams witnessed in English football employed imposing defenders and fast overlapping full-backs. The Citizens have spent outrageous amounts to bring in Kyle Walker, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy, though Fabian Delph is currently doing a fine job to fill in at left-back.

Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany bring more ferocity to the table, something Sir Alex Ferguson loved in his centre-backs. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand formed arguably the best defensive partnership in Premier League history thanks to their solid displays and sure-footedness. In the absence of Gary Neville in the 2007/08 season, Wes Brown offered poise on the ball down the right while Patrice Evra remains a cherished player for the United faithful.

Success often boils down to a single moment, and Edwin Van der Sar's penalty save in the Champions League final to deny Nicolas Anelka was the cherry on the cake after a season of keeping United's back line at ease from in between the sticks. Ederson has enjoyed a fine start to life in England and already produced a crucial moment with a double save in the Manchester derby.

Man to man, that is how United's 2008 team and City's 2017 side compare. However, success in football is more commonly measured in numbers, be it goals or trophies. The Red Devils proved their worth in 2008 while the Citizens have the chance to surpass their mark after a blistering start. Who knows? Maybe even a power shift is due in Manchester.