citysky
Well-Known Member
This coming Premier League season will finally provide Manchester City fans with something special, the status of top dogs in one of the greatest footballing cities of the world.
But we are likely to see a reserved, yet bitter response from the Manchester United brethren as things are almost certain to stay that way for years to come.
As a young manager, Roberto Mancini is developing a quality and youthful squad at the behest of the worlds' wealthiest football owners at the heart of Manchester.
Meanwhile the old hand, Sir Alex Ferguson, oversees the continued decline of the once powerful United squad.
He does so with no real transfer budget and in the knowledge that things are only likely to get worse.
As Manchester City sit at the heart of a soon to be developed part of East Manchester, with an estimated budget of £1bn, United's ground is already looking less than ideal for the new world of luxury and glamour that the Emirates for example already provides.
And all of this will move into view at a time when Manchester City fans prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of United leaving the city of Manchester.
So the bunting is being unfurled, the balloons are being inflated and the table is being set in the Blue half of Manchester for a party that is certain to go on for years and years.
The trophies will surely start to arrive this season, and if not silverware then Champions League qualification will.
The year after will see an expanded City of Manchester Stadium and the first signs of what £1bn can deliver.
And over in Trafford, it is quite likely that Manchester United will have a new manager and a second rate squad (and some would argue third rate owners).
So the 2010 season will start a process which will quickly leave clear water between the two clubs with Manchester in their name and only one will truly be associated with the city.
Over the coming seasons, I predict that when people think of Manchester they will think more of City and the great football played in the midst of a world renowned leisure destination than of Bobby Charlton and the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Just as America took over as the world's wealthiest country, Manchester City will take over from United as the most dominant footballing power.
There are those who will say it won't, nay can't happen.
But in my humble opinion there seems nothing more certain given all the facts at my disposal.
But we are likely to see a reserved, yet bitter response from the Manchester United brethren as things are almost certain to stay that way for years to come.
As a young manager, Roberto Mancini is developing a quality and youthful squad at the behest of the worlds' wealthiest football owners at the heart of Manchester.
Meanwhile the old hand, Sir Alex Ferguson, oversees the continued decline of the once powerful United squad.
He does so with no real transfer budget and in the knowledge that things are only likely to get worse.
As Manchester City sit at the heart of a soon to be developed part of East Manchester, with an estimated budget of £1bn, United's ground is already looking less than ideal for the new world of luxury and glamour that the Emirates for example already provides.
And all of this will move into view at a time when Manchester City fans prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of United leaving the city of Manchester.
So the bunting is being unfurled, the balloons are being inflated and the table is being set in the Blue half of Manchester for a party that is certain to go on for years and years.
The trophies will surely start to arrive this season, and if not silverware then Champions League qualification will.
The year after will see an expanded City of Manchester Stadium and the first signs of what £1bn can deliver.
And over in Trafford, it is quite likely that Manchester United will have a new manager and a second rate squad (and some would argue third rate owners).
So the 2010 season will start a process which will quickly leave clear water between the two clubs with Manchester in their name and only one will truly be associated with the city.
Over the coming seasons, I predict that when people think of Manchester they will think more of City and the great football played in the midst of a world renowned leisure destination than of Bobby Charlton and the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Just as America took over as the world's wealthiest country, Manchester City will take over from United as the most dominant footballing power.
There are those who will say it won't, nay can't happen.
But in my humble opinion there seems nothing more certain given all the facts at my disposal.