With the incoming managers on either side of the Manchester divide now bedded into their new roles, we have finally heard from each on what we can expect from them in the months ahead.
After Pep Guardiola addressed City fans on Sunday, Jose Mourinho spoke for the first time in his capacity as United boss to the media on Tuesday morning.
With both unveilings coming well after each man was appointed, Guardiola and Mourinho have already made good progress in the early stages of their tenures.
Here is how the summer is shaping up for United and City - and a glimpse of what we might see happen at each before the Premier League season begins.
Deals done so far
Both clubs have been quick to make decisive moves in the transfer market, with each taking an aggressive approach.
Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly agreed a four-year contract at Old Trafford to become Mourinho's first signing from Villarreal.
Activity in more recent days has caught the eye more, however, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's long-awaited arrival made no less exciting by the time it took for his deal to be confirmed.
Mourinho almost jumped the gun during his news conference with word of another recruit, most likely Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
His current club Borussia Dortmund have already announced he is linking up with Mourinho, though United are yet to confirm that is the case.
City have been ruthless in their dealings, with Mkhitaryan's former Dortmund team-mate Ilkay Gundogan committing to the Etihad last month.
He hopes to be fit to face United on September 10 as he continues his recovery from the dislocated kneecap which kept him out of Germany's squad for Euro 2016.
One man who did make it to France - Spain striker Nolito - will also be at City in the new season following his switch from Celta Vigo.
Likewise, Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko, who featured in their games with Germany, Northern Ireland and Poland, has signed.
City's only other summer addition to date is an intriguing one, with Australia cap Aaron Mooy coming in from sister side Melbourne City.
Already 25, his CV includes an injury-affected spell at St Mirren between 2010 and 2012 and he could be loaned to Huddersfield.
Managers on transfers
Despite United's fifth-place finish in the Premier League and their failure to secure Champions League football last term, Mourinho's initial intention is to make just a quartet of summer signings.
He said: "We made a nucleus of four positions a priority to give a certain balance to the squad and a push in terms of quality I want.
"I am a manager that likes specialists, not multi-functional players. I am clear with my approach and model of player.
"I like one or two multi-functional players. You always need someone that can give you a hand. From these targets, we have three.
"Until we have the fourth, we are working hard on that with Mr Woodward and the owners. When we have them we will breathe, we will be stable and the market will still be open."
Although City have had another summer of targeting big names, Guardiola's long-term remit is to promote from within.
He said: "I grew up in one of the most important academies in the world in Barcelona, where the young players are so important to develop and could maybe one day play in the first team.
"One of the reasons I came here is I know, from (City sporting director) Txiki Begiristain and other people here, how good they are working in the academy with the young players.
"It's good to see young players of 13, 14 and 15 playing, growing and imagining one day they can play in the first team. It's important for the fans too because they can feel special about that player.
"What I want is for our supporters and the people who love football to enjoy and be proud of what we did.
"Afterwards, we will see what our level is. Maybe we achieve titles, but if the people are not proud of us, it is nothing."
What happens next?
During Tuesday's news conference, Mourinho spoke of having four summer transfer targets and when Mkhitaryan's expected move is announced that would make him the third addition.
Who follows after that is unclear. United have long been linked with a world record bid for their former youth midfielder Paul Pogba and such a move would undoubtedly excite fans.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi is also thought to be a target, while Mexican club Pachuca claim United are in talks to sign their winger Hirving Lozano.
It would be surprising if Mourinho made just four signings in total this summer, particularly if there are more departures from Old Trafford.
He sold Juan Mata to United when he was in charge of Chelsea in 2014 and the midfielder has already been linked with an exit.
Likewise, Daley Blind's future with the FA Cup winners appears uncertain and moves by both could spark further purchases.
City are thought to be aiming for two more signings and Schalke's German international Leroy Sane has been on their radar for some time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is another in their thoughts, though Dortmund are keen to hang on to him - especially with Mkhitaryan about to follow Gundogan to Manchester.
Martin Demichelis has been City's highest-profile departure so far and Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte is a potential replacement, while Everton's John Stones has also been linked.
It remains to be seen what part, if any, Yaya Toure has to play under Guardiola. He sold him to City in 2010 at Barcelona but seems open to giving everyone a clean slate.
One player who definitely won't be at the Etihad, much to supporters' disappointment, is Lionel Messi - with Guardiola adamant he will stay at Barca for the rest of his career.