From underdogs to champions, discover how Manchester City has evolved and reshaped its rivalry with United in recent years.
Topics covered
Once upon a time, Manchester City was a club hesitant to flaunt its newfound success. Can you believe it was just over a decade ago when they were still finding their footing in the Premier League? Fast forward 13 years and 18 trophies later, and it’s a completely different story.
The transformation of City from underdog to title contender has changed the dynamics of the Manchester football rivalry forever.
The Early Days of Change
Remember the 2011-2012 season when Sergio Agüero snatched the title from Manchester United’s grasp in the dying seconds? That moment was monumental.
Interestingly, when United visited the Etihad Stadium after that, the Premier League trophy was nowhere to be found. A source from City shared, “That year we always had it on display in the Chairman’s Suite, but we felt we didn’t want to flaunt it.
We still had a long way to go.” Can you imagine a team that just won the title not showing off their trophy? It really shows just how far they’ve come.
Back then, the rivalry was intense. City had just received a cash injection and finally broke through the glass ceiling, but United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, was still a force to reckon with. Ferguson’s words, “Not in my lifetime,” about City being seen as the bigger club, echoed through the halls of football history. But now, with City frequently tagged as favorites in derbies, it’s a different narrative altogether.
City’s Rise and United’s Struggles
Fast forward to today, and City is not just winning trophies; they’re also raking in the cash. Their 2023-24 revenues hit a staggering £715 million, breaking records for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, United is lagging behind, constrained by a lack of Champions League football and a declining commercial income growth of just 10% over the past six seasons. What do you think? Is winning trophies the ultimate way to attract sponsors and fans?
Experts like Kieran Maguire point out that United needs to start winning again to regain their commercial strength. Winning equates to prize money, sponsorship bonuses, and merchandise sales. City, on the other hand, has mastered the art of leveraging their success. They’ve shifted their focus from United to Liverpool as their main commercial competitors, and it’s fascinating to see how the landscape has changed.
The Future of the Manchester Rivalry
As we look ahead, both clubs stand at a crossroads. City must continue their winning streak to maintain their newfound status, while United needs to rekindle their past glory. With new developments like the North Stand expansion at the Etihad, which will increase capacity to over 60,000, City seems poised for growth. Meanwhile, United’s plans for a revamped Old Trafford remain on paper, leading to frustrations among their fanbase.
Social media engagement is another front where City is gaining ground. With 179.5 million followers, they’re catching up to United’s 233.6 million. Young fans are increasingly drawn to star players rather than clubs, and with City boasting names like Erling Haaland, they’re appealing to a new generation. Who else thinks that player branding is the future of football fandom?
Ultimately, the rivalry between Manchester City and United has morphed into a narrative of evolution and adaptation. City has proven that hard work and strategic investment can lead to success, while United must contend with the reality that they can’t rest on their laurels forever. The question remains: How will this rivalry continue to evolve in the coming years?
