This may sound like a bold statement to make, but there is evidence to show that this may well be true. City have shown plenty of ambition ever since the takeover back in 2008, with the acquisition of key players, stadium expansion along with a new training facility, plus certain strategies to target the global market which included the City Football Group owning and founding teams in the US and Australia (New York City and Melbourne City respectively). Whereas there is evidence to suggest that Manchester United could potentially face a period of decline with the huge debt coupled with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson along with the instability since with a number of mangers and an influx and out flux of players. Manchester City have had clear ambitions to be a global footballing power ever since the takeover of the club and have laid out plans over certain years which will help them achieve this. Ever since 2008 the club has gone for a quick fix by signing marque players whom are capable of winning trophies. These include such players like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero all of whom who have contributed massively to City’s success. In addition to these signings who have now been at the club for a number of years, City have brought in young English players like Stones and Sterling as well as foreign talent like Sane, De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus, all of whom will help bring further on-field success to the club for years to come. However, the reason for signing these players wasn’t just because they’re great players, it’s also because their huge names who will help develop Manchester City’s global brand. Another part of Manchester City’s hefty ambitions is the stadium expansion which took place over recent seasons and increased the Etihad capacity up to 61,000 capacity. On top of this expansion of the stadium, City built a new training ground complex which benefits the youth set up and Manchester City Women’s team as well. Manchester United on the other hand could be set for a period of decline with the huge debt that’s been racked up by the Glazers ever since their takeover of United. Currently Manchester United’s debt stands at £464M, according to figures published in the 1st half of 2017 which is slightly worry when debt levels across Europe have generally decreased. Nevertheless, this is an improvement from when it was £700M at its peak. Also back in 2010 when the Glazers were outlining a plan to attract potential investors into the club, they stated that the risk to their investment would be failing to qualify for the Champions League. I’m not saying by missing out this season will put United in decline but it may put certain players of joining the club which could cause a spiral of decline. Not only this, but Ferguson’s departure inevitably led to a period of restructuring at the club with Moyes, van Gaal and now Mourinho all wanting to bring in fresh ideas and players to the club, as touched on above. This meant that various appointments had to have a go at rebuilding an ageing squad which Sir Alex failed to do on a budget which may shrink depending on the club’s debt and on-field success. However, the spending under Mourinho last summer bringing in Lukaku and Pogba the summer before proves this is not the case. Also, the recent Deloitte money league has United sitting back at the top with record revenue of £515M which is in stark contrast to a few years previous shortly after Ferguson retired where United dropped to fourth for the first time since 1997. City on the other hand keep climbing and it 5th in the Money League. The question is who will grow faster? Clearly Manchester City have plans in order to take the club forward over the coming years and appear to have aims of developing their own players through state of the art training facilities. Whereas Manchester United have been feeling the effects of Ferguson’s retirement over recent seasons, with current manager Jose Mourinho only now appearing to have brought a period of stability back to Old Trafford. However, if there is a power shift in Manchester it may have a detrimental effect on United with sponsors deserting them as well as a drop-in revenue. Although United’s form over the past year suggests this may not be the case. Nevertheless, the next few years for both clubs will determine who the true kings of Manchester really are!
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