Has Manchester finally turned Blue?

The Manchester Derby beckons

For years, Manchester United’s superiority over their unfashionable neighbours remained unquestioned under the watchful eyes of a certain gum-chomping Scotsman. It may very well have been he who first saw the signs over in the blue half of the city.

Christened the “noisy neighbours” by Sir Alex Ferguson himself when they were beginning to show that they were more than just the time- tested court jesters of the Premier League kingdom, Manchester City’s phenomenal rise has seen the world ask the Red Devils that dreaded question – so you guys are the other team in Manchester?

A question that has provoked considerable mirth at the Red Devils’ expense, but one United supporters would have asked themselves - at least in those unacknowledged moments when they wake up reliving Sergio Aguero’s improbable stoppage time winner a little over two years ago.

A goal that had all the hallmarks of the resurgent spirit more readily associated with Fergie’s charges over the years, and the inherent symbolism would not have been lost on those who went home in stunned disbelief that night.

There was far less surprise in the way Manuel Pellegrini’s men took home the title last year – an enterprising team that had enough defensive nous to pick up the pieces in the wake of a strangely subdued Mourinho and an over-enthusiastic Liverpool.

Ahead of the much awaited derby between the fierce rivals this weekend, we take a look at the punches both sides have doled out in the last three seasons (Spoiler alert – it was a very one-sided contest).

2011-12

Machester City celebrate their first league title since 1968

The season proved to be a turning point in the Mancunian rivalry, and not just in the manner of City’s last-gasp title triumph. Old Trafford witnessed one of those one-sided games of football that just happen, without any forewarning whatsoever.

For all the talk of Johnny Evans’ untimely red card early on in the second half, it cannot be denied that City were playing on another plane that day. The first three goals on the night were absolutely breath-taking, strung together as they were by that little wizard we know and love as David Silva, who expertly toyed with a hopelessly clumsy Anderson.

Not that Phil Jones did much better when he came on for the portly Brazilian, and United’s misery was there for all to see. The supporters had begun to believe that the “midfield general”, spoken of in hushed tones the world over, was nothing but some kind mythical creature who would rally the troops to exhibit what was referred to as “control” and “direction” in the center of the park.

City’s gritty 1-0 win at home later in the season saw Sir Alex’s caution punished by a City team that simply wanted the win more. Wayne Rooney looked forlorn in his role as a lone striker – his team failing to get a single shot on target as they handed the advantage to their bitter rivals in the title race.

2012-13

Sir Alex Ferguson with his thirteenth Premier League crown

The arrival of a stronger, fiercer bully in the local playground saw Sir Alex confronted with the possibility of a premature walk into the sunset.

Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger, the wily Scot’s attention now turned to Robin Van Persie.

The shock of his transfer to the ranks of Sir Alex’s troops was only matched by the relative ease with which the Red Devils cantered to the league title that year, armed as they were with Van Persie’s hunger and their manager’s own indomitable spirit.

And it was the Flying Dutchman who curled in an injury-time free-kick that deflected in off Samir Nasri to give United three points at the home of their rivals, back in early December of 2012.

Although, tellingly, it may have been the City boss Roberto Mancini who shot himself in the foot, electing to start with what proved to be an ineffective Balotelli (sound familiar?) in place of the mercurial Carlos Tevez. Predictably, the Argentine was heavily involved in both the goals the Citizens scored that night once he came on.

The corresponding fixture at Old Trafford saw a familiar script being played out – Sergio Aguero once again breaking United hearts with a goal of quite mesmerising quality. But it may well have been James Milner’s often overlooked industry that kept United’s fearsome attacking prowess at bay that day.

2013/14

Manuel Pellegrini – instant success at Manchester City

Reclaiming the title from the clutches of their neighbours proved to be Sir Alex’s last stand, and over at City they knew that the master had simply papered over the cracks in that last season at the helm. The ageing defense was looking increasingly vulnerable, as was their long-standing inability to plug in the Paul-Scholes-shaped-hole in midfield.

Significant additions to the team were required, and it is here that City has so brashly outmuscled United. Used to being considered the pre-eminent club in the country, Chelsea and City have proved to United that, quite simply, money talks.

Manchester City’s mega money move for Fernando – exactly the kind of signing United could have done with – allowed Yaya Toure free rein to move upfield and practically bulldoze the opposition into submission.

It did not help matters that an overtly romantic view of things at Old Trafford meant the successor was an obviously overwhelmed David Moyes, who never really had the support of the dressing room.

Two very convincing wins followed – new boss Pellegrini’s carefully restrained pleasure reflecting that his boys raised their games to the levels he expected when in the throes of this much-awaited derby.

Conclusion

And this, in essence, will play on the minds of both teams this weekend – how City’s mainstays continually live up to expectations when confronted by their neighbours. Fortunately for United, David Silva (now considered by many of the Sky Blue persuasion to possibly be their greatest ever player) will certainly miss out. Another big player – in every sense of the word – Yaya Toure has looked woefully out of touch, what with Pellegrini keeping him far deeper than he is accustomed to.

Now may well be the time to unleash the Ivorian, with Silva out of the picture. Sergio Aguero, however, will certainly be in the scheme of things, and you would bank on him to wreak havoc in the visitors’ defense.

United’s own fearsome attacking potential has been dented by the news that Falcao will certainly miss out, although Louis Van Gaal has made it clear that captain Wayne Rooney will certainly start. All evidence points to Van Gaal once again using the fluid 4-1-4-1 we saw against Chelsea, with Mata making way for Rooney, who will resume his role as the Number 10 (albeit with a highly inconsistent touch).

While this formation has finally seen Marouane Fellaini turn a corner, what with the Belgian afforded a role that’s a little more advanced, it does see an unlucky Mata miss out because of Rooney’s return. But Fellaini’s dominance against Fabregas last week, coupled with Mata’s own indifferent form this season, has probably ruled out the narrow diamond that Van Gaal employed earlier on in the season – a tactic that would mean Juan Mata lines up in his favoured Number 10 role behind both Rooney and Van Persie.

Curiously, both teams will be relishing the timing of the fixture. City, knowing that these fixtures have seen them live up to their billing, will be looking to get their title hopes back on track after a rather disappointing start. United, building up a semblance of momentum in recent weeks, would love to prove to their supporters that there is life after Sir Alex, after all.

The rest of us will sit back and enjoy ninety minutes of typically pulsating Premier League action – for if there is one thing that we do know, it is that these Mancunians sure know how to put on a show.