Since winning the league in 1968 and giving United a farewell shove out of the old first division in 1974, City fans have been forced to dine on meagre derby rations.
Even the 5-1 thrashing of 1989, a 4-1 win in 2004 and their first home and away double for four decades in the 2007/08 season have been achieved against a backdrop of total United dominance.
City's brief spell in the limelight when they won the league, FA, League and Cup Winners' cups from 1968-70 has been totally obliterated by United's groaning honours collection.
However, since the arrival of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the millions he has pumped into the club, the fans have drawn a line under smilingly writing off failure as "typical City" and are starting to believe they can challenge again for honours.
Last weekend's 4-2 home success over Arsenal was widely seen as the new team's "coming of age" and they would dearly love to build on that with the biggest of all top-four scalps.
"We played well against Arsenal, now we have to go to Old Trafford and show our credentials," Kolo Toure told Sky Sports. "Man City will be a force this season."
Midfielder Stephen Ireland told the club's website: "I can't wait for the match, derby matches are great occasions and everyone is looking forward to it, especially after the win over Arsenal.
"There will be an extra edge to this game, there is no doubt about that. Carlos Tevez coming here and some of the things that have been said this summer may even sharpen that edge."
Tevez's move did not go down too well with everyone at Old Trafford but the Argentine striker is doubtful for Sunday because of the knee injury he picked up playing for Argentina.
Tottenham lost their 100 percent start with a 3-1 home defeat by United last week while Chelsea's last-minute 2-1 win over Stoke City gave them five wins out of five.
