Since the arrival of their bottomless pit of money, Manchester City have spent vast sums of money to build a side capable of taking on Europe’s best. Extortionate wages have been offered to some of the world’s best players, and even those average players who have joined City have enjoyed lucrative pay rises.
Their goal is to emulate the nineties and noughties success of their near neighbours Manchester United, and they took the first step on this road by winning the FA Cup this year, their first trophy in 35 years. United, meanwhile, romped to a 19th title despite not being, according to many observers, at their best.
City have already spent big on Gael Clichy, and are almost guaranteed to break the bank again. However, of the current Manchester City squad, how many would make a combined Manchester XI?
An argument could certainly be made for Joe Hart’s inclusion. Although there was no way he would ever be named ahead of the neo-legendary Edwin van der Sar, his retirement paves the way for a battle between Hart and David de Gea. Whilst Hart currently gets the nod thanks to his status as England’s first choice and greater Premiership experience, de Gea could easily trump him in the coming season if he settles well.
It’s difficult to look beyond a central defence of Nemanja Vidic and Vincent Kompany. Both were their team’s outstanding player last season, with Kompany emerging almost from the shadows to fulfil the potential he has long shown. Rio Ferdinand is injured too much, and Kolo Toure wouldn’t have been included even if he hadn’t been banned for substance abuse.
The full-back positions are debatable. Whilst Partice Evra would normally have been an absolute stick-on for the role, last season was not his best, which could allow cult favourite Pablo Zabaleta to sneak into the side. Evra just shades it on the left, but there’s room for Pablo at right-back, given the inconsistency in selection at both clubs this season.
The midfield has often been highlighted as Manchester United’s weak-spot last season, and as such there can be few arguments against the inclusion of Yaya Toure in the centre. However, the functional De Jong and limited Barry and Milner pose no threat to the hugely underrated Michael Carrick for the other spot. Nani on the left is a given, but Antonio Valencia is unlucky to miss out to the outstanding David Silva. The wingers can switch, which is a bonus.
Up front, the disruptive Carlos Tevez is the only City player in with a shout, with Rooney, Berbatov and the sensational Javier Hernandez from United. With Rooney’s troubles behind him, he’s a must-pick, and Hernandez’s unbelievable first season should get him the nod ahead of the selfish and moody Tevez.
So, with five players from City and six from United, it’s all to play for in this transfer window. How will the balance of power shift before September 1st?
