5 players who played for both Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier League era

It’s not often you see players playing for rival clubs, especially when they are from the same city. But ever since Bob Milarvie’s stint for both Manchester United and Manchetser City, 24 players have gone to and fro between the two rival sides of Manchester.While some have been awarded a legendary status, others have succumbed to hate between the two rival clubs.We take a look at the 5 players who played for both Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier League era.

#1 Carlos Tevez

Ever since Carlos Tevez's inclusion in the Premier League with West Ham, the Argentinian has impressed fans and critics alike with his hard work off the ball and with his penchant of converting half chances into goals. The Argentinian made his debut for Manchester United on 15th August 2007, starting for an injured Wayne Rooney, and the rest as they say is history.

Tevez, went on to become one of the most prolific strikers of the Premier League, featuring in Manchester United's holy trinity along side Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 30-year-old went on to win numerous accolades with the Red Devils; including two Premier League titles (2007/08 and 2008/09), one Football League Cup (2008/09), one FA Community Shield (2008), one FIFA Club World Cup (2008) and one UEFA Champions League title (2007/08) in his two year stint with the red side of Manchester.

The protagonist turned antagonist for the United faithful after he joined rivals Manchester City following an issue with his contract with the Red Devils. After signing Tevez, Manchester City erected a blue 'Welcome To Manchester' billboard located at the top of Deansgate in Manchester.

It was at Manchester City that Tevez became as controversial as his strike partner years later, Mario Balotelli. Although the Argentinian provided magic on field, scoring goals at regular intervals, he was always caught up in off field antics.

After winning the Premier League with Manchester City, Tevez outrageously carried a 'RIP Fergie' poster atop an open bus ceremony. His bad run with the Manchester City management finally ended his glorious yet rebellious spell in the Premier League, as Tevez was ultimately sold to Serie A giants Juventus in 2013.

#2 Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel is still regarded as one of the best goalkeepers ever

Voted as the World's Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993, Peter Schmeichel clearly had his best playing day at the Red Side of Manchester. Dubbed as 'Bargain of the century' by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2000, the Dane was famous for his intimidating physique which stood tall at 1.91m.

After a quiet first season with the Red Devils, Peter burst on to the scene in his second campaign, amassing a staggering 22 clean sheets.

Despite boasting an impeccable clean sheet record, Schmeichel would often run on to attack the opposition in last minute corner kicks. He also scored in this fashion for United against a lowly Rotor Volgograd side in 1995 UEFA Cup match.

The Great Dane, as he was called ended his United career on the highest note, winning the Premier League Title, FA Cup and Champions League in a treble winning season with the Red Devils.

After stints with Sporting Lisbon and Aston Villa, Peter finally came home to Manchester, though only at the other end. Signing for Manchester City in 2002, he played only one season with the Sky Blues.

Although trophies eluded Schmeichel at City, he boasted an exceptional record of not starring on the loosing side in a Manchester Derby. During his nine years with Manchester United, they were unbeaten against Manchester City, while in his single season with City, they won at Maine Road and drew at Old Trafford.

#3 Andy Cole

Andy Cole is most remembered for his fearsome partnership with Dwight York, which was rated as one of the most feared attacking partnership in all of Europe at the time. The duo contributed 53 goals between them, while showcasing one touch play along with finesse which displayed an immense sense of understanding between the two.

Cole would often score goals at crucial times for the Red Devils, none more so than the second goal against Middlesborough which would lead United to the Premier League title for the third time in four years. Flaunting the tag of being the First player to score five goals in a Premier League game, Cole was also one of the most consistent players of the early Premier League era.

Despite this, Cole managed to fall behind the formidable partnership of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Solskjaer, forcing him into a "super sub" role. The Englishman even then would go on to score 7 goals, whilst earning him the badge of 'Super Sub'.

Trophies and accolades came in plenty for him at Manchester United, as he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Charity Shields and one UEFA Champions League title.

After short spells with Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, Cole was signed by Manchester City in 2005. Despite signing for City, Cole remained in the hearts of the United faithful, as he never made any noticeable contributions for the Sky Blues. In a single season with City, Cole appeared 22 time and scored a mere 7 goals, while failing to bag any trophy.

#4 Owen Hargreaves

Although Owen Hargreaves' best playing days came in Germany with Bayern Munich, the Englishman made headlines when his bid to convince suitors of his fitness was rewarded with a Manchester City contract, while featuring for Manchester United in the season before.

Hargreaves didn’t make any noticeable contribution to either of the Manchester clubs as he was often sidelined with injuries and fitness issues. Still, his two goals for Manchester United came via two brilliantly converted free kicks.

Though Haregreaves made just 27 appearances for the Red Devils, he won one Premier League title and one UEFA Champions League title with the 'Red side of Manchester'.

Featuring for City just once, Hargreaves failed to land a proper contract and retired at the end of 2012.

#5 Andrei Kanchelskis

Signed for just £650,000, Andrei Kanchelskis turned out be be perhaps one of the best deals done by Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson signed Kanchelskis in a bid to find an attacking right sided midfielder to give him a younger and quicker option as compared to the older right sided midfielders like Mike Phelan, who lacked in speed and wit.

Kanchelskis soon became a regular member of the United team, playing in 34 out of 42 league games in the 1991/92 season as United finished second. He was also a key part of the team who won the first ever Premier League title, scoring 3 goals in 27 league games appearances albeit 13 of these were as a substitute, as United's 26-year league title wait came to an end.

The bombarding Russian would finish with 28 goals in 123 appearances, while solidifying the Right Wing area in his time with United.

After a small spell with Fiorentina, Adrei was loaned to Manchester City by Rangers. The Russian would score only a FA Cup goal for the Sky Blues in his mere 10 appearances for the 'other club in Manchester'.