Underdogs City need show of strength
IT IS almost four years to the day since Manchester City struck a huge psychological blow in the battle to be top dogs in town. On April 16, 2011, Yaya Toure’s goal knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup and set his club on a path of sustained success. It says everything for what was achieved back then at Wembley that City won six of the eight derbies that followed. Even when United won the title in 2013, there was a feeling that it was down to unrest behind the scenes with Roberto Mancini rather than the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. Player for player, City’s quality was superior to their old rivals. There is a similar feel about tomorrow’s meeting at Old Trafford but this time City are vulnerable. United, having won their last five Barclays Premier League fixtures, are firm favourites and will feel confident of finally ending their neighbours’ title aspirations. If Louis van Gaal’s side win, the ramifications for City could be serious. There is no doubt United will spend big again in the summer and, with the full implications of Financial Fair Play kicking in, they might be able to recruit the players that City need. United will certainly fancy their chances but they should not take anything for granted. When the teams come out, City will still have the best striker on show in Sergio Aguero, the best midfielder in Toure, the most creative talent in David Silva and the finest defender in Vincent Kompany. That quartet have not been at their best this season but, during the last four years, they have provided the best spine in the Premier League. They aren’t the problem at City — it’s the players around them who need to be improved. If City want to send a message to United — and for next season — Aguero, Silva, Kompany and Toure will have to show what we know they are capable of. Van Gaal is starting to put his stamp on United — they have improved since the switch to 4-3-3 — and has big ambitions. City have relished having United in their shade. To keep them there, they need a show of strength.