• Premier League

Manchester City will never be as big as United - Beckham

ESPN staff
July 21, 2011
David Beckham remains fiercely loyal to Manchester United © PA Photos
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David Beckham has laughed off suggestions that Manchester City could usurp United as the city's prominent side, insisting "there's only one team in Manchester".

Beckham watches events at his former club unravel from afar nowadays, as he continues his attempt to lead the LA Galaxy to MLS success. He will, however, come into contact with City on Saturday, when the Galaxy play host to a high-profile friendly.

Having finished third in the Premier League and won the FA Cup last season, City are widely tipped to provide a stern challenge to United's crown in the 2011-12 campaign. Carlos Tevez's future is currently in limbo, but Roberto Mancini is still expected to press ahead with the signing of world class Argentinean forward Sergio Aguero.

Beckham forces himself to admit that City are becoming major players in England's top flight, but he told fans of the club not to kid themselves that they are on the verge of eclipsing United.

Asked if he is tipping City to become title contenders, Beckham replied on Sky Sports News: "I shouldn't answer! They're bringing good players in, they've got strong people with a lot of money behind them, so they're going to improve.

"But they'll never be Manchester United. They might be a threat this season, but United have got the history, the silverware over the last 20 years. There's only one team in Manchester, but City I'm sure will be a team to look at going forward."

Asked for his opinion on Tevez, who has stressed his desire to return to South America - only to see a move to Corinthians collapse, Beckham is convinced the City board will spend money regardless of what happens with their star striker.

"Tevez was a really strong player for them last season, so if they lose him it will be disappointing. But they've got a lot behind them as an organisation, so they can afford to bring world class players in. If they continue to do that I'm sure they'll be strengthened."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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