The difference in quality between Manchester City and Manchester United was there for all to see during Sunday’s Manchester derby.

In truth, City’s 3-1 victory flatted United with Pep Guardiola's side completely dominating their rivals in every department.

It also put them 12 points clear of them in the Premier League table, after just 12 matches. And you get the feeling that gap is only going to increase.

But there was a period during the second-half that Jose Mourinho’s side looked like they could achieve an unlikely point.

Ederson’s conceded his second penalty in as many Premier League games when he rushed out to foul Romelu Lukaku.

Anthony Martial stepped up and made it 2-1 after 58 minutes.

United didn’t really have any further opportunities to equalise but they trailed by just one goal for as long as 26 minutes.

That was until Nemanja Matic completely switched off when marking Ilkay Gundogan, allowing the City substitute to seal the three points.

And that one moment sums up Matic’s season.

The Serb has looked completely off the pace this campaign, despite being a near ever-present since arriving at Old Trafford 16 months ago from Chelsea.

But it seems his United teammates have had enough.

According to The Times, “Jose Mourinho’s reluctance to drop Nemanja Matic has caused some consternation within certain elements of the Manchester United dressing room.”

Matic started 35 out of the 38 league games last season and has started every match he has been fit for this campaign.

However, the report in The Times adds that “Mourinho’s support of Matic has surprised some players and staff, who feel the midfielder is practically untouchable regardless of his form.”

To be fair, Mourinho had little alternative but to start Matic against City with Paul Pogba ruled out through injury.

However, it will be interesting to see if the Portuguese manager persists with Matic through this terrible run of form.