Wednesday, 29th October, 2014



Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has conceded that cross town rivals Manchester City have become a bigger club than his former side in recent times.

As the two sides prepare to lock horns for the first time this season on Sunday, Schmeichel reflected on the various derbies between the two teams while he was the main man between the sticks at Old Trafford.




The situation has changed drastically since a big-money takeover at the Etihad Stadium in 2008, with the Citizens having won two Premier League titles in the last three years.

 


Schmeichel even believes that the Sky Blues have recently become a bigger club than Manchester United in terms of results.

relatedNewsStory

"In my first couple of years [at United] I didn’t understand [the rivalry with Manchester City]", Schmeichel told the BBC.

"Liverpool and Leeds were then much bigger.

"Now it's different. Man City are the champions, they had their second Premier League win last season.

"Maybe at the moment they are a bigger club than Manchester United in terms of results so the significance has changed."

This season already sees a difference in each team's fortunes, as Manuel Pellegrini's team currently sit third in the Premier League with 17 points from nine matches while their rivals languish in eighth place with 13 points. 

Schmeichel was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's team between 1991 and 1999, having managed a total of 292 league appearances for the Red Devils. He also played for Manchester City for one season in 2002/03 before hanging up his boots.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.