Two of the world’s richest clubs face each other this weekend, and they both happen to be based in the same city.
Manchester United take on rivals Manchester City on Saturday, a match you can listen to LIVE on talkSPORT.
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Although both boast healthy finances, one club is certainly in a much better position than the other.
Since Pep Guardiola came to England in 2016, he’s taken Man City to the next level, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three Carabao Cups.
Last season was a bit of a disappointment by their high standards, having only won the Carabao Cup but they’re doing miles better than Man United.
The Red Devils haven’t won a trophy since the Europa League win in 2017 and their seven-year wait without a league title doesn’t look like ending any time soon.
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They were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week, despite only needing a point from either of their final two group matches.
There’s nothing like derby success to restore morale and United beat City twice last season, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s win rate against Guardiola is 60 per cent.
But whatever the result, it doesn’t distract from the fact the club has spent a huge amount of money in recent years which hasn’t led to much return on the pitch.
However, they can take small comfort from the fact they’ve spent less than their noisy neighbours since Guardiola took charge four years ago.
Money spent by Man United and Man City since Pep arrived
City have spent more and it has brought success...
2016/17 – Man United (£166.5m), Man City (£193.5m)
2017/18 – Man United (£178.56m), Man City (£285.75m)
2018/19 – Man United (£74.43m), Man City (£70.73m)
2019/20 – Man United (£204.1m), Man City (£143.57m)
2020/21 – Man United (£75.15m), Man City (£154.62m)
Total – Man United (£698.74m), Man City (£848.17m)
The only time Man United have spent more was during the 2018/19 season, when City last won the Premier League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finished sixth that season.
However, City’s big signings have come in areas where they’ve needed to invest. The summer of 2017 saw Guardiola spend hugely on full-backs Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy, while Aymeric Laporte arrived in January.
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Meanwhile, Man United have wasted money on superstar names such as Paul Pogba, who wants out, and Alexis Sanchez.
They are both good players but not necessarily what they needed. Donny van de Beek’s lack of minutes so far also makes you wonder why they bothered signing him in the summer.
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Listen to full commentary of Manchester United vs Manchester City LIVE on talkSPORT, kick-off 5:30pm
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