Manchester divided: A tale of City and United

One of the upcoming rivalries in the premier league is the Manchester Derby. A fixture earlier rarely believed to be important, now has the ability to change the title race to a large extent. Manchester City has almost always lived in United’s shadow, never really considered title contenders. The team was not considered as a challenge to United’s supremacy. Liverpool was the name that came to mind first – and many a times, last – when Manchester United’s rivals were spoken of.

Manchester City was a team hallmarked for instability and unpredictability. They have a dubious distinction of winning the First division title one season, back in 1937, and getting relegated the very next. A rare occurance, indeed! But certainly not the kind that Manchester City would be proud of. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they got relegated to the second division in 1998, thereby setting another record in the process – The record of being the first former winners of a European trophy to be relegated to the third tier. Manchester City has never won a Premier League title nor looked likely to do so, since the founding of the Premier League. After a 120 year journey filled with ups and downs, Manchester City seemed to end the century on a low.

Manchester going blue ?

But all that changed with the arrival of Sheik Mansour (and his billions) in 2008. The money pumped in seemed to add stability to a team which was well lost as regards to the Premier League title. High profile signings were made each season, and household names joined into a club, which was perhaps not known earlier beyond the shores of England. The all-star team led by Manager Roberto Mancini, finally looked a side who could compete with the best in Europe, who could measure up to Manchester United in all respects.

United, who had dominated the most part of the Premier League history after seeing off threats from Arsenal and Chelsea, have yet another challenger to their authority. The challengers, who announced their arrival with a 6-1 mauling of United at Old Trafford – something that is going to haunt Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United for years to come – are here to stay.

As of now, signs are good for Manchester City. With a world class starting lineup, and a bench boasting of names that could grace any top team’s starting 11, they are all set to shift the balance of power in their direction. With a strong bench rendering them almost immune from any crisis due to injuries, they are all set to rewrite history. 2012 may well be their year.

Is it time for the blue half of Manchester to takeover? Will the money of Manchester City overthrow the legacy of United? Time will tell.