Time for Manchester Dominance, or is it?

Over the years, Premier League fans have known the competition to be a battle amongst the Big Four. It’d be safe to call the Premier League era, “The Big Four Era”. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea had made the top four slots their own, and it was virtually impossible to break their stranglehold over those places.

But something changed, Premier League football got a sudden jolt! United’s noisy neighbours Man City got a sudden inflow of oil soaked money. Players began wanting a move to Eastlands, citing City’s ambition and quest for success (and a fatter paycheck of course).

Over the last two years, City hoarded a plethora of stars and as good as bought home the FA Cup and Premier League title. With Tevez, Nasri, Aguero, Silva, Yaya Toure etc., City formed their own version of the Galacticos. The Big Four now had to contend with a 5th member!

More than the other three, it was United and Sir Alex who were taken aback the most when City pipped them to the title on goal difference. The noisy neighbours weren’t just noisy anymore. With Arsenal losing their stars to other clubs, Liverpool’s sudden wane and Chelsea trying to forge along with ageing (and some non performing) stars, United were the only club in City’s path for dominance of English Football. Mancini’s aim and hope has always been to emulate Sir Alex’s achievements at United.

Cut to this season now, and things aren’t looking too different. United, as usual under Sir Alex, continue to churn out results and get the three points when it matters most. The acquisition of RVP has added tremendously to their attacking “Arsenal” and it has borne fruit with them topping the scoring charts and the League Table.

City too started the season very well and the flair football that got them trophies was on show and getting them the results. With Aguero and supersub Dzeko on form, they were challenging for top spot again. It seemed almost inevitable that the Manchester rivals will form a two horse race again this season. Or….would they?

Both clubs have had their fair share of bad days this season. City, after a good start, have dropped off the pace. Their ouster from the Champions League was a telling blow to the morale of the players and the manager too, to an extent. Their inability to challenge in Europe is a very worrying sign for the champions of England, with not a single victory. Their domestic form too isn’t great, with 2 draws and a loss in the last 3 league games. Mancini is walking a tightrope at the moment. He barely survived last season after a last gasp league victory and a season without silverware this time would definitely spell his end at Eastlands.

Roberto Mancini: Time’s running out!

United started off slow with losses to Everton and Spurs. Their ever reliant back four has looked very shaky and De Gea is still circumspect in spite of a tremendous performance against Madrid. Their attack is keeping them alive on all three fronts, seen so many times in the league where they’ve come back from losing positions to grab a victory. How long they’ll be able to bail United out at the death, one can only wonder!

Another front that the United board will have to think of is a potential replacement for Sir Alex. The ever-hungry Scotsman seems to be going on forever at Old Trafford but some day he will step down. To continue that legacy and not flounder under the pressure will be a challenge to any future United boss. With David Gill also resigning as Chief Executive, United will have to ‘refresh’ themselves off the pitch too.

Adios: United fans and board alike, will dread the time Sir Alex finally decides to call it a day.

It’s not just issues with these clubs. Chelsea are just 4 points from City and any further slip ups will see the London club grab second place from them. Spurs are just a point behind Chelsea and will be looking to build on their good form off late to eclipse both Chelsea and City and confirm a Champions League spot.

Easier said than done though. United have vast experience of winning games, leagues, trophies and have that wily old Scotsman at their head. They’re battling on all three fronts and the Treble is very much on!

City too, have experienced players capable of turning things around for them as seen last season where they overturned an 8 point deficit to win the title.

For now, English football has to contend with the Manchester rivals at its head, fighting a two horse race. There are tough times ahead though for both the clubs. But the Manchester dominance could well break down much earlier than thought of!