United enjoy a 15 point cushion over arch nemesis City, and with eight more games to play it is becoming more and more clear that the Premier League title is heading towards the theatre of dreams this season.
As things stand, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United are romping towards what will be their 20th English Premier League title. After a heartbreaking moment when United lost the title to their City rivals on the last game of the season, Ferguson’s men were persistent in their quest this time around and provided City no opportunity of gaining an advantage.
Angry at how they handed that title to their ‘noisy neighbours’, Sir Alex knew that nothing less than a domestic title this season would ease that pain.
A few days back, City manager, Roberto Mancini stated that United’s current lead at the top of the table is not a true reflection of the capabilities and the talent at the Etihad Stadium.
“It is not a true table,” said the Italian tactician ahead of City’s trip to Old Trafford on Monday night.
There are indeed major differences between the two sides that took last season’s title run down the wire. City were playing arguably the most exciting football in England at that time, while United were struggling to put in any sort of consistency to their performances.
However, this season has seen an offensively lethal United side breeze its way past opponents. And when they have not breezed past the vanquished, Ferguson’s men have laboured to wins – something Manchester City have been incapable of doing all season long.
One of the biggest differences between the two sides is that even when they are a goal or two down, Fergie’s men find a lot in reserve and chalk out results. At the start of the campaign, United almost acquired the habit of conceding goals before rallying towards victories. Though it might give fans the creepers, this tendency to muster wins out of improbable situations is something that sets the team apart from most of the sides in Europe.
Winning mentality is essential if a club aspires to compete for top honours. And this is something Ferguson expects from each and every single member of his squad whether he plays or not. Over the years, United have made a culture of winning titles which is the reason why, a season without any piece of silverware is regarded as a failure. And it’s not just the fans who expect the team to win week in week out. The squad’s players are hell-bent on winning and never stay in their respective comfort zones, which makes them crave for more.
The aforementioned tendency is something that has thus far, eluded City.
Roberto Mancini claimed that most of his players were resting on their laurels, which was why the team was not able to replicate its success from last season. For United, that is never possible.
The arrival of Robin van Persie also made a big difference to how things have panned out for the perennial rivals this season. The Dutchman rejected City’s lucrative contract offer in a bid to join a side where he was introduced to players accustomed to winning titles, winning when it seems improbable while not compromising on playing quality football. Things might have been different had City won the race for his signature but then again, arrival of one player does not decide titles even though it tilts the balance a little bit.
Perhaps, the biggest weakness in the current City side is that it still has not been able to form that winning culture that has prevailed the isles and facilities of Old Trafford for years. One title win never defined City as a powerhouse of English football, but it should have gone a long way in playing a huge part on where the club should be in the next few years.
Furthermore, Manchester United players are always close and maintain good relations with one another while also looking up to their experienced manager. The same cannot be said of Manchester City whose manager often has to deal with his players’ inclination to throwing tantrums every now and then.
As long as there is complete absence of a winning mentality and togetherness in the side, Manchester City will always struggle to compete with Manchester United as equals.
Angry at how they handed that title to their ‘noisy neighbours’, Sir Alex knew that nothing less than a domestic title this season would ease that pain.
A few days back, City manager, Roberto Mancini stated that United’s current lead at the top of the table is not a true reflection of the capabilities and the talent at the Etihad Stadium.
“It is not a true table,” said the Italian tactician ahead of City’s trip to Old Trafford on Monday night.
There are indeed major differences between the two sides that took last season’s title run down the wire. City were playing arguably the most exciting football in England at that time, while United were struggling to put in any sort of consistency to their performances.
However, this season has seen an offensively lethal United side breeze its way past opponents. And when they have not breezed past the vanquished, Ferguson’s men have laboured to wins – something Manchester City have been incapable of doing all season long.
One of the biggest differences between the two sides is that even when they are a goal or two down, Fergie’s men find a lot in reserve and chalk out results. At the start of the campaign, United almost acquired the habit of conceding goals before rallying towards victories. Though it might give fans the creepers, this tendency to muster wins out of improbable situations is something that sets the team apart from most of the sides in Europe.
Winning mentality is essential if a club aspires to compete for top honours. And this is something Ferguson expects from each and every single member of his squad whether he plays or not. Over the years, United have made a culture of winning titles which is the reason why, a season without any piece of silverware is regarded as a failure. And it’s not just the fans who expect the team to win week in week out. The squad’s players are hell-bent on winning and never stay in their respective comfort zones, which makes them crave for more.
The aforementioned tendency is something that has thus far, eluded City.
Roberto Mancini claimed that most of his players were resting on their laurels, which was why the team was not able to replicate its success from last season. For United, that is never possible.
The arrival of Robin van Persie also made a big difference to how things have panned out for the perennial rivals this season. The Dutchman rejected City’s lucrative contract offer in a bid to join a side where he was introduced to players accustomed to winning titles, winning when it seems improbable while not compromising on playing quality football. Things might have been different had City won the race for his signature but then again, arrival of one player does not decide titles even though it tilts the balance a little bit.
Perhaps, the biggest weakness in the current City side is that it still has not been able to form that winning culture that has prevailed the isles and facilities of Old Trafford for years. One title win never defined City as a powerhouse of English football, but it should have gone a long way in playing a huge part on where the club should be in the next few years.
Furthermore, Manchester United players are always close and maintain good relations with one another while also looking up to their experienced manager. The same cannot be said of Manchester City whose manager often has to deal with his players’ inclination to throwing tantrums every now and then.
As long as there is complete absence of a winning mentality and togetherness in the side, Manchester City will always struggle to compete with Manchester United as equals.
