Manchester United v Manchester City – We Look At Exactly How The Title Has Been Won

We can safely declare that the Premier League title is going back to Old Trafford after a year in the hands of rivals Manchester City. So, man for man, where on the pitch was the difference between the imminent Champions and Runners Up…

Hart v De Gea

After being caught up in a rotation policy with Anders Lindegard, David De Gea appears to have finally nailed down the number one jersey and is now keeping regular clean sheets worthy of the team soon to be crowned champions of England, although in this contest he is up against a very special goalkeeper.

Joe Hart has had his poorest season since he got ahead of Shay Given at City, but is still world class and a player Sir Alex wouldn’t mind having. Joe Hart is more likely to be between the sticks next season for his club, therefore he gets the nod.

United 0-1 City

Zabaleta v Rafael

Rafael is cementing his place firmly into the United team for many years to come, the 22 year old has had a great season, improving his defensive skills which were previously questioned. Nonetheless in this battle, there is only one winner after Zabaleta has been without doubt player of the season for the blue team in Manchester.

The full back has put in consistently strong displays along with passion and desire, something which cannot be said of all of his teammates.

United 0-2 City

Clichy v Evra

During his time at the Etihad, Clichy has fought for the left back position with Kolarov, sometimes coming out second best, but to his credit he has found himself starting more often than not this season and has had a decent year.

Evra will be taking the plaudits however, not only has he been reliable defensively as always, he has contributed with goals. The Frenchman has four to his name this season including the important header against Arsenal to seal a 2-1 win which hurled United to top of the league for the first time.

United 1-2 City

Kompany v Ferdinand

Despite Rio Ferdinand’s disgraceful withdrawal from the England squad, he has won this match, he has been the dependable leader Ferguson has called on when necessary, almost as quick as ever, he has been an imperative part of United’s season.

A big factor to City being unable to defend their title, Kompany has been in and out due to suspension and injury, without their leader they have lacked the passion we saw all last season.

United 2-2 City

Nastasic v Evans

I have no hesitation, Nastasic is going to be a top defender for years to come, he has been one of the highlights of City’s season after signing last summer. The Italian has surprised most by keeping Joleon Lescott out of the team most of the time.

Johnny Evans has been a bit of an unsung hero for the Red Devils, which is what you want from a defender, he also has contributed with three goals and this has to be his best season yet. Next season it may go the other way but on this occasion Evans gets the point.

United 3-2 City

Yaya Toure v Cleverley

If I got to pick one of these players for my Sunday team Royal Admiral, I would no doubt choose Yaya Toure. Who has had the better season though has been one of the more difficult decisions in this article.

Cleverley has improved massively as the season has gone on and has now an established England international. Big Yaya has been average compared to his outstanding performance last year, he is though incredibly influential in most games. Can’t be split. Draw.

United 3.5-2.5 City

Carrick v Barry

Certainly an easier decision, Gareth Barry is playing in a team that is beyond him, hardly ever plays forward and has contributed heavily to the team looking and playing too slow. Carrick on the other hand is one of the first names on the team sheet, dictating play from the midfield as one of the best passers in the division. No contest

United 4.5-2.5 City

Young v Nasri

How are these two gracing the pitches of the two best teams in the country? Samir Nasri has been nothing short of dreadful. Not only has his performances been lacklustre, but his effort and desire to play football this season has been non-existent.

Ok hands up, who forgot Ashley Young still plays for United? The winger has somehow managed to play in 17 games this season. Quite simply, he isn’t good enough to be playing at Old Trafford each week. Neither of them deserves a point. Draw.

United 5-3 City

Valencia v Silva

Both of these players will be disappointed they weren’t able to play quite as well as they did in their previous campaigns. Valencia has not been his usual destructive self, and has struggled with injuries throughout.

We all expected another electrifying season from Silva, and even though he has been their most dangerous outlet, he hasn’t been quite as magical. Glimpses of it has been enough to win him this contest though

United 5-4 City

Rooney v Tevez

These two have had lots in common this season, with not always being first choice, but also scoring important goals when necessary. Tevez has found the net nine times in nineteen starts and Rooney currently has twelve goals from seventeen. The England star bagged a brace away at City, helping them to that all important victory. Wayne gets the nod just for that.

United 6-4 City

Van Persie v Aguero

Before the season started, many predicted that whoever delivered the goods outs of these two world class strikers would heavily contribute to how their teams seasons panned out.

Aguero has only bagged nine so far and even though he has had strong performances when available he has found himself in the physio room far too often to help out his team. Signing on the season RVP has been the difference and nineteen goals tell you that.

Goals against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and City to deliver match winning points are what makes the difference between winners and runners up.

Final score- United 7-4 City