Normal service resumed? Manchester United could be ahead of City for years

Manchester United find themselves in three odd positions ahead of the derby with Manchester City on Sunday.

They are, weirdly, ahead on points of City after 31 league games. They have, even more strangely, a legitimate claim to once again be the best team in Manchester. And lastly, and few would have predicted this at the start of the season, reason to think that this second situation might continue for at least another season, regardless of what happens at the weekend.

It might only be a point that separates them in the league table, but there is a greater psychological difference. Manchester City played much of the season as title contenders, and even when they fell behind Chelsea after a wobble, they had the good fortune and determination to reel them in one more time. It is their failings more than Chelsea’s qualities that have allowed the lead to be stretched again at the top.

Yaya Toure has decided that fresh from playing at being a wretch over the summer, he decided to go full method for the season. Those at Crystal Palace on Monday were actually impressed by how little he could be bothered to do, and considered that he used his goal as an excuse to not try any further. There have been signs that he is now interested more in money than glory, which is perfectly understandable and acceptable, but only if he performs commensurately to his wage. He plainly does not, despite being City’s most important player.

As poor as he has been for most of the season, City will struggle to find someone able to equal his best. There are rumours that they retain an interest in Paul Pogba, and they are one of the few sides who will be able to afford him, Financial Fair Play notwithstanding, but there are other weaknesses. Gael Clichy exists in a vacuum of 6/10 atmosphere, but with Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis, Eliaquim Mangala and Aleksandr Kolarov, you can make a case that every single potential member of the back four should be replaced.

- read the full article at Eurosport