After what was a disappointing season for both of Manchester’s biggest football clubs, both City and United have been busy at work so far this summer in order to make amends for the depression of last season.
The blue half of the City have acquired themselves the services of Spain star Nolito, Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan, as well as Ukrainian youngster Alexander Zinchenko.
The red half however have made the most waves in the transfer world thus far, having signed £30 million man Eric Bailly from Villarreal, coveted Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan and most notably enigmatic Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a one year deal.
Both clubs still have plenty of business to do however, with City and United expected to complete the signings of Leroy Sane and Paul Pogba respectively over the next few days.
Throw in the new men in charge of both clubs - Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho - and we have a huge Premier League season ahead of us, fuelled not only by the divide of a city but now also by the rivalry of those in at the helm. Portugal vs. Spain. Madrid vs. Barcelona. Jose vs. Pep.
City have ruled the Manchester roost for the past years following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, however their time at the top could come to an end with a new era set to begin at Old Trafford this season.
If City are to remain on top, here are three thing’s they could learn from their rivals in order to maintain their status as Manchester’s top club...
The Importance of Youth
United have demonstrated on multiple occasions over the past two decades how vitally important it is to allow young players to develop and prosper amongst the elite stars.
As recently as last season Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial stole the hearts of United fans with their hunger and desire which ultimately led to their sides FA Cup triumph.
Look at the United side of the late 90’s - 2000’s and so much of it was built on the foundation of solid young players such as Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
Ultimately, the Red Devil’s reliance on those born and bred at the club led to their unfathomable consistency during that era - something City have failed to reproduce.
Consistency is Key
In a similar vein of the previous point, United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson was built upon consistency within his squad.
Over the years, Ferguson’s side always had a distinct and recognisable backbone to it - whether that had been Stam, Scholes and Cole or even O’Shea, Carrick and Rooney - those omnipresent pseudo-superstars were the key to his and the clubs fortunes.
Rather than build a solid foundation as such, City have splashed the cash in an ever-changing squad of the years, and yes this may have brought them intermittent success, but never consistent success.
Experience Can Be Bought
In all of United’s sides across the years, they have always had a healthy blend of youth, big money superstars and experienced, proven Premier League players.
The latter can not only help the rest of the squad develop, but provide the know-how and skill to play and succeed successfully at Premier League level. City have very few of those character’s in their dressing room besides the ever-injured pair of Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.
Think Van Persie, Van De Sar, Carrick, Ferdinand - even as far back as Andy Cole. All of those arrived at Old Trafford with countless seasons of top flight football already under their belt. Experience is something you can definitely buy - but City refuse to do so.