The victory at Old Trafford was their fourth in a row in all competitions

So, the mood at Old Trafford. Quietly contented, quietly confident. Manchester United are now level on points with City and, as a by-product of Premier League fragility, have implausibly ghosted into top-four contention.

The gap between themselves and a conventional route into next season’s Champions League appeared too wide three weeks ago - not anymore. Manuel Pellegrini’s side do still have a game in hand, away at Newcastle on a date yet to be confirmed, but they will be feeling some heat now.

As much as that is down to their own failings, United are beginning to hit their stride with results. The roar inside Old Trafford is back and there is a feelgood factor about the youngsters who have been forced into the spotlight given a lengthy injury list.

Juan Mata celebrates after scoring the winner in Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Watford

Mata is joined by his Manchester United team-mates as he celebrates his winner in front of the home support

The Spain playmaker rescued his young team-mates by netting a stunning late free-kick at Old Trafford

Added to that, Louis van Gaal is now winning the type of game he would not have done two months ago.

Wednesday against Watford was the case in point, United struggling to find fluency for large spells but taking three points after Juan Mata’s sublime late free-kick.

Odion Ighalo had an off night for the Hornets, spurning a number of sizeable opportunities and David de Gea earned his keep between the sticks.

Mata did not beat Heurelho Gomes until the 83rd minute yet there was not the restlessness usually associated with home supporters, a genuine feeling they would edge the contest. That bodes well.

City do remain in the box seat but the edginess around their rivals has subsided somewhat. It will be a worry over at the Etihad. 

Van Gaal appears more relaxed than he has done all season - as if some positional burden has been released - and playing at home is an altogether calmer experience than it was earlier this year.