Manchester rivalry good for the Premier League

Manchester United and Manchester City head into Saturday afternoons derby as Premier League title challenges.

The pair has always had a rather tempestuous rivalry but since City became rich and are actually challenging United the rivalry has hit fever pitch.

Challengers

Manchester United fans have rather looked down on their city rivals as they haven’t won a trophy since the sixties and won’t let the City fans forget it.

And in that time United have gone on to dominant the Premier League and equal Liverpool’s record of 18 English league titles won.

In recent seasons Manchester City haven’t been such a joke and their fans have been able to realistically believe they can compete with the Red Devils. They had to live in the shadow of United for so long but riches have bought them a more competitive team.

Million’s

Before City’s megarich owners took over City were a mediocre midtable Premier League team, although they did manage a league double over United under Sven Goran Eriksson. They struggled to even challenge for European places let alone challenge for the Premier League title.

A few years later and hundreds of millions spent and they are finally near to challenging United at the top of the Premier League table. Whether you think their spending is right or wrong they are now real challengers.

Success

United have dominant the English top flight since the arrival of the Premier League in 1992. The Red Devils have won 11 League titles since the founding of the league. Manchester City on the other has had a far less productive time.

At one point they were even in the third tier of English football. It’s unimaginable now that they were in the third tier of English football less than 15 years ago.

If you would have told a City fan then that in 15 years they would be one the richest clubs in the world I’m sure they would be calling for the men in white coats. Money speaks in football and it’s completely transformed the City of old into an ultra modern competitive club.

Manchester

Rivalries between football clubs in the same city are heightened when the clubs are both aiming for the same target. It’s good for the city of Manchester that both clubs are doing well, even if neither set of supporters like to see their rivals succeed.

Loyal

Manchester City fans are some of the most loyal in the Premier League. They have had to put up with so much down the years that they deserve to be challengers. I have a feeling it won’t be long before they can say that they are United’s equals.

Pushing

The fact that Manchester City has spent so much on bringing quality players in pushes the rest of the clubs at the top to strengthen their squads. It doesn’t just mean by spending millions but by improving tactics and bringing through quality young players from their clubs academies.

Title

Manchester United are currently five points clear of City in the race for the Premier League title. The Red Devils also have a game in-hand on Roberto Mancini’s side, however a victory for City would put them right back into the race.

This game could be crucial in the race for the Premier League title race, not just for City but also for the chasing pack of Arsenal and Chelsea. If United win then it will be really difficult for anybody else to catch them. If City wins then the race is blown wide open.

Whatever happens at Old Trafford on Saturday it is bound to be an interesting and controversial 90 minutes. So put your feet up and enjoy the fireworks. They are set to be spectacular!

Who will win the Manchester derby on Saturday?