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What could be better for United fans than seeing their arch-rivals hammered at Old Trafford and roaming clueless on the pitch for a better part of the game? Jose's men produced a masterclass performance this weekend which saw them extend their lead over Liverpool to five points.
United sit second in the league only behind Manchester City and have defeated Chelsea and Liverpool quite convincingly within a span of two weeks. The Red Devils face Sevilla and Brighton in UEFA Champions League and FA Cup knock-outs respectively.
Their current form suggests that they should be able to grab the number two spot in England. However, there are only five points separating them and the the team in fourth spot, presently.
Lets take a look at reasons which indicate that Jose's men would be able to keep hold of second place in the league this season.
#5 Return of injured players
Manchester United have tremendous depth in the squad. However, a majority of their players are sidelined with injuries ahead of a decisive week.
Jose was short on options against Liverpool as his best attacking players off the bench came in form of Jesse Lingard or Marouane Fellaini. Players like Anthony Martial, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Paul Pogba and Phil Jones are set to return from injuries in the coming weeks.
Ander Herrera is also sidelined for a couple of months after suffering an injury against Sevilla.
If United progress in the UCL or the FA Cup, this depth could be well utilised by the manager. Jose would have the option to rotate his team, this would give them an edge over rivals such as Spurs and Liverpool.
However, if United do not progress in either of the competitions, they would be having the manpower to rest first eleven players week in and out.
Therefore, Jose would desperately be looking for a return of as many currently injured players as early as the FA Cup clash against Brighton on Sunday.
# 4 A re-energised back four
Manchester United's defence appeared to be an unbreakable wall on Saturday when the Reds failed to register any shots on target in the entire second half despite keeping more than 70% of the ball.
Eric Bailly and Ashley Young in particular shackled the Liverpool front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah who have ripped the finest of defences apart this season.
The Ivorian appeared to be a merciless beast who was throwing himself at every challenge. Despite netting an own goal and possible injury scare, he continued to play till the final whistle and never looked shaky.
In his presence, the other centre backs also brimmed with confidence. United still have one of the best defences in the league this season. Defenders such as Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are expected to return in the coming weeks.
Their back-line will play a crucial role in ensuring the team ends up in second place domestically this season.
#3 Favourable fixtures
Jose's men sit four points clear of third placed Spurs with eight Premier League matches yet to be played.
In the coming matchdays, their heaviest encounters come in the form of a visit to the Etihad and hosting Arsenal in April. The other outings majorly include matches against teams in the bottom half of the table.
Given their current form, they should be able to see the fixtures against lower league oppositions comfortably. The matter of concern, is however the two fixtures against City and the Gunners.
To be precise, the only stumbling block is in the form of their local rivals, Man City because Wenger's men are nowhere near their best at the moment to cause United any problems at Old Trafford.
When United visit the blue half of Manchester in April, Jose would definitely be deploying a conservative approach. If United "park the bus" against Pep's enthralling side and even manage to pull out a draw, it would definitely cement their place behind City in second spot.
In such a case, they would drop only two points which could be cushioned by their four point lead over Spurs who will be traveling to Stamford Bridge in May.
#2 An in-form Lukaku
Those who watched the match for ninety minutes on Saturday, would realise the contribution made by Romelu Lukaku to see his side cross the line against Liverpool.
The 24 year-old was a constant threat to the opposing back-four because of his strength and pace. He chose to bulldoze Dejan Lovren over Virgil van Dijk, given the Dutch man's aerial ability.
De Gea's long balls constantly found Lukaku's head and he made his contributions for creating the second balls which were netted by Marcus Rashford.
The striker is now playing on his merits and appears to be prospering under Jose at the club. He was criticised initially for his goal drought and inability to contribute in the big games.
He netted seven in his first seven appearances of the season. However, the tables turned dramatically for the Belgian at the club when he experienced a goal drought, netting one goal in 11 appearances a point.
The Belgian fought his way back to form and recently he has bagged four goals for the club in the last four outings in all competitions. His performance against Chelsea earned him the Man of the Match award.
His form would be key to the Red Devils' hopes for the second spot and any potential silverware this season.
#1 Pride on the line
The upcoming week will be a season defining one for Jose and his team, it will see them fight for progress in two competitions they have a shot at winning.
The Portuguese was in the same seat just a few months earlier, when United played Ajax in the UEFA Europa League final as he fought for a seal of approval from the experts and the fans alike.
This season, the story is slight different. The Red Devils are in for the FA Cup, their only realistic and most attainable silverware. If they manage to book their place in the last eight of the UCL, clinch second spot in the league and lift the FA Cup, their season will be considered a satisfactory one.
Moreover, they would technically be the second best side in the league behind Manchester City who have raised the bar in English football altogether.
They cannot afford to slip up in any of the remaining fixtures. They cannot afford to slip up behind yet another rival club, as if seeing City get the better of them isn't enough.
United from now on will play for pride in every fixture and step onto the pitch to give more than their best. They have to finish this season at a level from they can considered potential title challengers for the English crown next season.
