Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Panorama of the City of Manchester

Manchester United. Manchester City. They both bring varying degrees of positive and negative thoughts and/or emotions, depending on your perspective. The only thing the same is the name of the city before them. They are as different in approach and history as two clubs can be. One is one of the most storied clubs in English football history. The other, well, they've had ups and downs to say the least. Before the advent of the English Premier League, Manchester United won the domestic title in English football seven times. Once the EPL was established the number swelled to nineteen, adding twelve in the nineteen seasons of the EPL's existence. Manchester City, on the other hand has won top honours in English football only twice and never in the Premier League. The year's were 1936-37 and 1967-68. Following the '36-'37 season the Blues were relegated despite being the league's top goal-scorers, a story that typifies the up and down, topsy turvy nature of the club's history.

MC's Y. Toure (L) Battles MU's Anderson (R) 

for a ball during the 2011 FA Community Shield.

It was a warm and sunny afternoon in August. The grass green, Wembley Stadium filled to the brim. Manchester supporters of both versions, as well as general football fans, had a sense of anticipation. That atmosphere permeated throughout the nation's football temple, and thus throughout the football world. The rivalry that is the Manchester derby was back in full effect. City started out well and carried their early momentum throughout most of the match. United, though, never seemed to sweat it. On that day they possessed a calm and confident demeanor, an attitude that comes from being there, doing that, and this not just from veterans, but also from players who just joined up. United kept pushing forward, kept on pushing themselves, as they always do, until City's defense broke down. Towards the end of the match Nani broke free on a cross, sprinted past Joleon Lescott and then pushed the ball past Joe Hart for a 3-2 victory for United. The Blues looked very solid for most of that game, but briefly lost their focus and determination. Communication broke down between Lescott and new player, Gael Clichy, when they both went for the ball and United pounced at their chance and that's the match. Granted that it was only one match, an exhibition at that, but it is a microcosm of both teams.

Roberto Mancini at MC's first
UEFA Champions League Press Conference

Manchester City has made great strides in the past year. At the end of the 2010-11 season they qualified for the UEFA Champions League, an objective they've targeted for some time. They've added several top-notch players into an already impressive squad. Sergio Aguero has already made a huge impact this year and should continue to do so for years to come. Aguero also seems to make Edin Dzeko a better player, making them a lethal attacking duo and they still have Carlos Tevez to mix in where needed. They also added Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy from Arsenal, both very solid players. Nasri, being one who is world-class on his day. They've been buying for a few years now and finally seem to be fielding a complete squad. Top to bottom, front to back they look very solid, but do they have the character to get it done? That seems to be the question that only time can answer. They are better this year than they have ever been. They will win a trophy or two this year, but I highly doubt that they will hoist the EPL trophy come the spring of 2012. They have depth at all areas of the pitch, something imperative in modern EPL football, yet I do not believe they can leap-frog their closest rivals. It will still be players wearing red and gold badges who will hoist the trophy if either of the Manchester clubs are destined to celebrate an EPL title this season. The gulf between the two is closing fast, but I believe United still holds the slightest edge.

Rooney & Co. training

The edge that I believe United holds comes down to one thing. That thing is culture. The actions and effort that are put forth everyday in training, the demeanor of the staff, how each player works and carries himself, all of this goes into their culture and, ultimately, their success. United's whole mentality is to work hard, to fight for every ball, to battle for the entire match, no matter how long it takes or what needs to be done. City's culture is surrounded by wealth, it's a lot about money, a lot about new signings, although they have gelled some now that most of them have been together for a couple years now. City has been trying to build through buying, so there are constantly a slew of new players. City buys and buys and if a player doesn't fit they get sold, whereas United targets specific players that fit their mold, players who usually stay on and grow in their system. City's new additions get surrounded with money, new players, and talent. United surrounds their new players with a blanket of success, experience, and trophies. Two teams, two very different philosophies regarding the building of a championship team, with one city divided, and a world watching to see the outcome. Grab some snacks and a beer, it's going to be a long, exciting season.