Manager Roberto Mancini kisses the Premier League trophy at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, on 13/5/2012. Photo: PA

Manager Roberto Mancini kisses the Premier League trophy at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, on 13/5/2012. Photo: PA

Over 13 years ago, Manchester City secured their first Premier League title, thanks to Sergio Aguero's dramatic last-minute goal against QPR. Had it not been for the Argentine striker's iconic shot, the trophy would have gone to their rivals, Manchester United.

Yet, when Manchester United visited Etihad Stadium the following season, the coveted trophy was conspicuously absent. A Manchester City executive explained that they had deliberately chosen to keep it out of sight. "We didn't want to flaunt it because there's still a long way to go," he said.

This seemingly unusual act reflected Manchester City's humility at the time. They were just emerging from decades in the shadows of their more illustrious neighbors. Across town, Alex Ferguson's Manchester United remained the proud giant of English football.

Manchester City's transformation began with the investment from Abu Dhabi in the summer of 2008. Initially, they acknowledged they couldn't compare to Manchester United, despite significant spending on stars like Kolo Toure, Robinho, and Carlos Tevez. One City executive recounted driving around Old Trafford to remind himself of the heights they aspired to reach.

Aguero celebrates his decisive goal against QPR, securing Manchester City's first Premier League title in 2012. Photo: News Group

Aguero celebrates his decisive goal against QPR, securing Manchester City's first Premier League title in 2012. Photo: News Group

Manchester United initially dismissed their neighbor's efforts. When Manchester City proposed a joint pre-season tour, they were met with ridicule. Even a City official's attempt to learn from United's model was met with disdain.

The gap between the two clubs was starkly evident during the 2011 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium. Accustomed to the venue, Manchester United's players walked straight to their dressing room. Meanwhile, Manchester City's stars paused to take photos in the tunnel, seemingly awestruck by the occasion.

When asked if Manchester City could ever be considered the stronger team in the derby, Ferguson responded, "Never, not in my lifetime".

Ferguson's words fueled Manchester City's determination. One executive even set up betting odds alerts on his phone. "The first time I saw City as favorites in the derby, I immediately sent it to everyone," he recalled.

In the early 2010s, Manchester City sought not only on-field victories but also to prove their attractiveness to top talent. In 2009, Tevez left Manchester United for the blue side of Manchester. A year later, Wayne Rooney even entered negotiations with City, contemplating a shock transfer.

"We knew what we were doing," said an individual involved in the deal. "Rooney was Manchester United's biggest star. If he chose City, it would have been the ultimate statement."

Ultimately, Rooney stayed at Manchester United, persuaded by Ferguson to sign a new contract.

Rooney scores against Manchester City at Old Trafford on 12/2/2011. Photo: Reuters

Rooney scores against Manchester City at Old Trafford on 12/2/2011. Photo: Reuters

From 2005 to 2015, Manchester United mastered commercial exploitation. Their off-field revenue quadrupled to 270 million USD annually, securing lucrative deals in Asia, even having three different shampoo brands as official sponsors.

Manchester City observed and learned. Years later, they surpassed Manchester United. In the 2023-2024 season, Manchester City's revenue reached a record 969 million USD, nearly 70 million USD more than Manchester United. Over the past six years, City's commercial revenue has increased by over 50%, while United's has grown by only 10%.

In the age of social media, younger fans tend to follow players rather than clubs. This favors Manchester City, with stars like Erling Haaland and previously, Kevin De Bruyne, featuring prominently in sports games. In contrast, Manchester United had no players in the top 26 male players by rating in 2025.

American football expert Michael Tiron believes Haaland has transformed Manchester City's image. "Young people follow players as brands, and he's helped City expand their reach," Tiron said.

American sports entrepreneur Charlie Stillitano argues that Manchester United's appeal is diminishing, despite football's growth in the US. "Old Trafford is now where players' careers go to die," Stillitano remarked. "All the Manchester United shirts I see still have Cristiano Ronaldo's name on them".

Manchester United and Manchester City drew 0-0 in their most recent encounter at Old Trafford on 6/4/2025. Photo: Reuters

Manchester United and Manchester City drew 0-0 in their most recent encounter at Old Trafford on 6/4/2025. Photo: Reuters

Manchester City is expanding Etihad Stadium's capacity to over 60,000, adding a 401-room hotel and entertainment complex. Meanwhile, Manchester United's new Old Trafford project remains on the drawing board. Despite a season ticket waiting list exceeding 100,000, Old Trafford faces criticism for its deteriorating condition, particularly its catering services.

One financial expert compared Old Trafford to Tottenham's new stadium, where fans stay an average of 50 minutes longer than at the old White Hart Lane. Old Trafford, in contrast, has stagnated.

Manchester City has come a long way, proving Ferguson wrong. Since the Scottish manager's retirement, City has won seven more Premier League titles, while Manchester United remains trophyless.

However, the future remains uncertain. Manchester City faces 130 charges of financial breaches from the Premier League, and manager Pep Guardiola's departure seems imminent.

The power struggle in Manchester is far from over. As one City executive reflected, "In the beginning, we heard all the sneers. Wenger called it financial doping. German club executives mocked us. Ferguson was always Ferguson. But today, we've come a long way".

Compiled by Xuan Binh