Pep Guardiola always expected Manchester United would challenge Manchester City again as the sides head into Saturday's derby separated by only four points.
That gap was eight points after their previous meeting in early October, which City sensationally won 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
But United are the Premier League's form team, winning 15 of their subsequent 18 games in all competitions and losing just once.
Erik ten Hag has improved the Old Trafford outfit to the point they could really pile the pressure on second-placed City with a victory this weekend.
Guardiola was asked about United's progress ahead of that match and replied: "It's normal. A new manager arrived, many things must be settled, then the improvement of the team is clear.
"It's not just in terms of results, it's everything."
United have improved "a lot", he accepted, but a Red Devils revival was always on the cards at some stage.
