Paulo Dybala on Manchester City radar

Manchester City are preparing a £2.5million swoop for Palermo's young Argentine striker Paulo Dybala - dubbed the 'new Sergio Aguero'.



Reports in Italy claim City have made their interest known to Palermo and are aware that the 19-year-old is available for just 3m euros now the that Sicilians have suffered relegation to Serie B.



Palermo paid a London company fronted by agent Gustavo Mascardi roughly £3million for the teenage prodigy, who had scored 17 goals for Instituto in the Argentine second division, last summer.



But Dybala has struggled in his first year in Italy, playing regularly but only hitting the net three times.



It has been claimed that he has failed to integrate into the dressing room and spends most of his time away from the club in his hotel room watching Argentine TV on the internet.



City, with their mini-Argentinean enclave of Pablo Zabaleta, Carlos Tevez and Aguero himself, could help Dybala settle into life away from Argentina - where the youngster lost his father aged only 15.



Dybala's family has Italian origins, so a work permit would be no issue should City decide to sign the player.

Jesus Navas excited by change

Jesus Navas insists he never had any second thoughts about choosing to join Manchester City - a decision he says he made some time ago.



Sevilla confirmed last night they had accepted an offer from City for the 27-year-old Spain winger, with reports suggesting the deal could be worth up to £24million.



There had been speculation Real Madrid were keen on his services, but Navas, who has spent his entire career to date with local club Sevilla, said he had made up his mind on a switch to City long ago.



Speaking today, Navas was quoted as saying by the Spanish media: "We've been talking with Manchester City for four months. The decision is taken.



"There had been rumours (about Real Madrid), but Manchester City were in from the start and I had decided some time ago. It's a good project and it was the moment to make the step.



"The Premier League is a competition where the football is very fast. I'm really looking forward to it. Manchester City are making a great team.



"I'm going from Sevilla, which is a very nice place, and I'm going to a great club in England."



He added on Sevilla's official website: "It was my choice. I'm very happy with the decision. I wanted to continue growing there and they've put a lot of faith in me and I want to continue doing well there.



"It's difficult because I've spent many years enjoying playing in front of these fans but I've made my decision, I wanted to go there. It's a good step for me and I never had any hesitation.



"I want to thank the (Sevilla) fans and the club for all that they've given me."



Navas is widely expected to be joined at City by Manuel Pellegrini, with the Chilean favourite to take over the vacant managerial post at the Etihad Stadium.



Navas, who is on Spain duty ahead of the upcoming Confederations Cup in Brazil, said: "I don't know Pellegrini personally, but I've heard good things about him. He's a great coach."

Man City rule out Falcao & Neymar

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has denied the club are chasing the signatures of Radamel Falcao and Neymar.



Reports have suggested City are among the chasing pack lining up moves for Atletico Madrid hit-man Falcao and Brazil sensation Neymar.



Manchester City may have ruled out a bid for Falcao but which club will secure his signature? Latest odds



Falcao has been linked with a host of clubs, including Chelsea, Monaco and Real Madrid following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico over the last couple of seasons.



Santos attacker Neymar is also being chased by Europe's top clubs with the skilful playmaker expected to leave South America for Europe after the 2014 World Cup.



However, Soriano insists the pair are not on City's transfer radar as they begin plans for their summer transfer plans.



"Neymar and Falcao? [These reports are] false, they have never been on our agenda," Soriano is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.com.



Soriano also moved to play down talk that Sergio Aguero could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.



Reports have suggested Aguero could be keen on a return with Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the Argentine international.



Soriano insists City have no plans to sell Aguero and that the 24-year-old is happy to stay at the club.



"The first thing I want to emphasise is that we have never thought of selling Aguero. El Kun will be happy to stay with us this year," Soriano added.

Aguero staying with City

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has insisted the club have no intention of allowing Sergio Aguero to leave.

Sergio Aguero takes a shot on goal against the Chelsea during a friendly match last night.

The Premier League side's leading scorer has recently been linked with a move back to Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the former Atletico star.



However, Soriano has been quick to dismiss any suggestions Aguero could be on the move.



"This has gone on and on and on. We have had discussions with Sergio and his agent about several things and he has never expressed the willingness to go," insisted Soriano.



"We have never had an offer and even if we had an offer we would say no."



Soriano did admit that the club were already in talks with 'several' new players.



"We are at the closing phase with several of them but the closing phase can take one week or three months."



He also suggested the club would open talks with Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez, who are both now entering the final year of their contracts.



"They are obviously two very good players and the discussions are going to take place," he said.

City stun Chelsea in US

Manchester City fought back from 3-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a thrilling friendly at a sold-out Busch Stadium in St Louis.

City, who confirmed this week that they have acquired a Major League Soccer franchise, fell behind to goals from Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar.

But Javi Garcia began the fightback, Edin Dzeko struck twice and Micah Richards grabbed a dramatic late winner in front of a crowd of 48,263.

Whilst the match did not quite have the intensity of a Premier League match, it was far from half-hearted.

City made all the early running and Chelsea's opener was against the run of play, Joe Hart misjudging Juan Mata's cross and allowing Ba to nod home.

Petr Cech kept out a long-range Yaya Toure effort and Carlos Tevez went close with an overhead kick.

But on the stroke of half-time Karim Rekik was adjudged to have bundled over Mata and Azpilicueta converted from the spot.

Just after half-time City gave the ball away in front of their own area and Oscar danced through to take the ball round replacement goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Then came City's magnificent fightback. Garcia turned in from a corner moments after substitute goalkeeper Jamal Blackman came on and Dzeko then finished expertly from a beautifully weighted James Milner pass.

Blackman then somehow kept out Milner's close range volley, then did superbly to keep out another Dzeko attempt.

But the equaliser came on 85 when Tevez slipped in Dzeko and Richards turned in Garcia's nod-down.

The two teams will meet again at Yankee Stadium in New York on Saturday.

Pellegrini leaving Malaga

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he will be leaving Malaga at the end of the season, amidst reports that he is close to taking over at Manchester City.

Pellegrini has been widely tipped to be Roberto Mancini's replacement after guiding Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals this season.



Pellegrini had previously managed in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador, and it now appears it could only be a matter of time until the Premier League welcomes its first Chilean manager.

"My coaching staff and I are separating from Malaga," Pellegrini said, quoted on Marca.com. Our union with this city will be eternal. I'm going for sporting reasons."

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has stated that he would welcome Pellegrini's arrival at the club.

"I think he is a great manager," said Nasri. He proved himself with Villarreal. At Real Madrid as well, even though he didn't win the title, they finished with 96 points. And at Malaga too. All his teams play attractive football and I think that's what people want to see. You pay for a ticket to go to football to see something great and he's the kind of manager who can do it."

Gael Clichy, meanwhile, has expressed his surprise that Mancini was sacked by the club after such a successful stint in charge.

For me it's always difficult as obviously he brought me to the club," Clichy said.



"It's the first time a manager has been axed since I've been at a club, so it's a bit of a shock and if you look at his record it's difficult to understand. He's won trophies, the title after 44 years. He won the team the first title.



"Many people, particularly the fans, would have wanted to give him another go. But that's the way it is, we are only football players."

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Cavani offered to City

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says the club are trying to sell highly-rated striker Edinson Cavani to Manchester City.

And De Laurentiis says his sporting director Riccardo Bigon has been negotiating with City about a deal in which Edin Dzeko would move to the Serie A side as part of the price for Cavani.

It had been speculated that film producer De Laurentiis and a Napoli delegation had been in London to approach outgoing Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez about their vacant head coaching post.

But De Laurentiis was quoted by Gazzetta.it as saying: "I did not go to London for Benitez. You would have me appointing 15 coaches, I've heard them all in the last six months.
"Yesterday I was in London with (managing director Andrea) Chiavelli and Bigon for a simple reason, I have to prepare for the release of the film about (former Apple boss) Steve Jobs.
"However, I told Bigon, 'Go to City and take the chance to negotiate over Dzeko and see what they are willing to do for Cavani'."

Cavani is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe and scored 29 goals in 34 Serie A matches for Napoli in the season just completed.

The 26-year-old reportedly has a £50m buy-out clause in his contract.
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Roberto Mancini thanks Manchester City fans

The former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has taken out a full-page advert in the Manchester Evening News to thank fans for their support in his three and-a-half years at the club.

The Italian, who won the Premier League title last season – the club's first since 1968 – and the FA Cup in 2011 and Community Shield in 2012, has received widespread support from City's fans following his sacking last week and appears to have been highly appreciative of their affection.



Above a picture of the manager standing in front of fans with the FA Cup, Premier League title and Community Shield, appears the message: "Manchester City Supporters 3 unforgettable years." Below is written: "You will always be in my heart, ciao, Roberto Mancini."



The Málaga manager, Manuel Pellegrini, is the favourite to succeed the Italian, who "failed to achieve any of [the club's] stated targets this year," according to City's board in a statement confirming Mancini's dismissal last week.

Platt parts company with City

David Platt has decided to part company with Manchester City in the wake of Roberto Mancini's sacking as manager.

Despite axing Mancini following the shock FA Cup final defeat to Wigan on Saturday, the club invited Platt to stay on in his role as assistant manager.

But the former England midfielder, who was appointed as Mancini's No.2 in July 2010, declined the opportunity and the club announced his departure ahead of the Premier League clash at Reading.

A City statement read:

"With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as assistant manager at the club.

"David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini.

"David has made a significant contribution to the club's success since joining in 2010 and we wish him well with his career wherever that now takes him."

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City sack Mancini

Roberto Mancini has been sacked by Manchester City a year to the day since delivering the club's first English title in 44 years.



City failed to back their manager over the weekend as the build-up to Saturday's FA Cup final was overshadowed by reports linking Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini with the job.

City were beaten by Wigan at Wembley, and that disappointment alongside an unconvincing Premier League title defence and a second successive failure to get beyond the Champions League group stage, means Mancini's time in Manchester is up after three-and-a-half years.

The club's owners also spoke of a desire for a more "holistic approach" in a statement which read: "It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as manager.

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the football club.

"Despite everyone's best efforts, the club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

"This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond."

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Roberto's record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of owner Sheikh Mansour, myself and the board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three-and-a-half years.

"He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the club's 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012.

"I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Brian Kidd will be in charge for the final two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States, but the focus now will be on Pellegrini.



The Chilean, a former Villarreal and Real Madrid boss, is an odds-on favourite for the job but denied on Sunday night that a deal to take over is already in place.

No deal with City - Pellegrini

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has denied having an agreement in place to become the next manager of Manchester City.



It has been reported that the Chilean has been lined up to succeed current City manager Roberto Mancini, whose position at the Etihad Stadium has come under the spotlight following a hugely disappointing season. According to reports, Mancini, whose team lost the FA Cup final to Wigan at the weekend, could even be sacked before the Blues take on Reading on Tuesday night.



However, Pellegrini insists he has no deal in place with any club for next season and is currently focused only on trying to help Malaga secure a Europa League place. "I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven't signed any agreement with anybody," Pellegrini told Malaga's official website after their goalless Primera Division draw with Sevilla.



"I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs have shown an interest in me. I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other club.



"I hope in the coming weeks that things will become a little clearer what is going to be the future here at this club."



Malaga have struggled with form since their heartbreaking Champions League quarter-final defeat by Borussia Dortmund, winning two of six Primera Division matches while losing three.



Despite that, Malaga are still sixth in the league standings and will be hoping to stay there over the final two games of the season.



Even if they do finish in sixth though they may not be playing in continental competition next season with a one-year ban from European football hanging over them. UEFA handed out the punishment in December due to the Spanish club's outstanding debts, but the club are hoping for a reprieve.



The former Real Madrid and Villarreal coach added of speculation about his future: "There are a lot of rumours.



"The coaching team and players are focused on qualifying the team for Europe. Overcoming the trauma of being knocked out of the Champions League wasn't easy, but we're still hoping to qualify for the Europa League."

Malaga coach link with Man City

is being strongly linked with a move to replace Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, with Spanish newspaper AS claiming a deal has been struck for the experienced Malaga boss to take over at the Etihad Stadium.

The Independent, Guardian and Sun newspapers are also reporting that Pellegrini is in line to succeed Mancini, with the reports certain to infuriate the City boss ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Wigan at Wembley.



Several bookmakers in England have reported a flood of "unusual" bets being placed on Pellegrini taking charge of the 2012 Premier League champions, yet representatives of the former Real Madrid manager and City officials have both refused to be drawn on the speculation.



Mancini admitted on Friday that his future could be on the line after City surrendered the Premier League title to local rivals Manchester United in such conclusive fashion this season, as he fears FA Cup success may not be enough to keep him in a job.



"I won seven trophies in four years at Inter Milan and they sacked me after four years, this is football," said Mancini. "I know football enough to understand this.



"In this moment, it's better that we think about the final. After we have time to talk about everything. I want only to do my job well if it's possible and continue to win every year. This is my target.




"I don't have other situations where I want to improve. It's important for every club to have a manager who can take a lot of decisions about the team, but now it's important we win this trophy. The FA Cup is important for every club."



Mancini has been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco in recent days, but many City fans will be surprised by speculation over his future just hours before a major Wembley final.

Shakhtar firm over Fernandinho

Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu insists that if Manchester City want star midfielder Fernandinho, then they will have to pay his release clause.



Fernandinho has long been linked with a move to England and both Tottenham and Chelsea have failed with bids in the last 12 months.



Now Roberto Mancini's City are heading the chase and are said to be closing on a £30million deal - but Lucescu has rubbished claims a move is imminent.



"If City want to [sign Fernandinho], the clause is €50 million [£42.3 million]," Lucescu told PRO TV.



The Romanian also insisted that Shakhtar are indeed a bigger club than City.



He said: "If our players receive offers from teams higher than Shakhtar, we do everything possible to help them.



"Currently, I think Manchester City are not at our level."



Fernandinho, who joined the club from Atletico Paranaense in 2005, has three years left on his current deal.


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Kolo Toure talks up Monaco move

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has hinted that French Ligue 1 is likely to be his next destination.



The Ivorian confirmed a couple of days ago that he would be leaving Manchester City when his contract expired in the summer.



And it appears that a move to French Ligue 1 is on the cards, with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain rumoured to be interested in the 32-year-old.



“Monaco are a great club that want to progress like Paris,” Toure explained to French newspaper L’Equipe. “It can be a very good option indeed with my experience.”



Monaco are targeting a number of high-profile players as they look to reinforce the squad in the summer, with Kolo Toure just one of the footballers they are looking at.



The Ivorian has spent his entire professional career in England, making over 300 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester City, but it appears he is set for a new challenge.



Toure has seen little playing time at Etihad of late, starting just 16 league matches over the last two seasons.

Santa Cruz in talks over permanent move

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed he is in talks with Malaga over making his loan switch permanent, although Botafogo remain interested in the forward.



The 31-year-old has been on loan with the Andalusians since the start of the season and has scored 10 goals in 40 games in all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini's men.



However, financial difficulties at La Rosaleda could prove to be an issue with regards a permanent deal and Santa Cruz has confirmed he is pleased to hear of Botafogo's interest.



“The interest [from Botafogo] does exist and I'm aware of it, my agents are analysing this possibility that has appeared and there are some talks," he told Paraguayan outlet Radio La Nueva RGS.



"It's a very big club; I'm flattered by their interest. It's always important to be wanted by a club of such size."



Santa Cruz cost Manchester City £17.5 million when he joined them in the summer of 2009 from Blackburn Rovers, but failed to establish himself after boss Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Mancini.



The striker has since enjoyed loan spells back at Ewood Park as well as in Spain with Real Betis and while his future remains uncertain he is confident a return to Manchester is not likely.



"I am also having conversations with Malaga, but I am not going to renew my contract with Manchester City," he added. "I'll be a free agent."

Kompany happy at City

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists he has no plans to quit the club this summer.

The inspirational Belgian defender has been linked with Spanish giants Barcelona, but Kompany is a firm fans' favourite and has five years left on his current deal.

And he has reaffirmed his commitment to the City cause as they will look to recapture the Premier League crown next season.

The 27-year-old told RMC:

"I have no reason to go elsewhere.

"I am happy here, I have five years left and if you knew the plans for this team for the future. I consider that to be a real objective.

"We will win the Champions League one day. It is inevitable. The same question arose concerning the Premier League and we did it.

"With the investment being made in all areas of the club, that will surely come. When we see people like [Patrick] Vieira it's one of the things that can help us move forward. In Europe, we will be more competitive.

"Our season will also depend on the cup final. If we win, it'll be fine.

"It will not be easy. The Wembley pitch is huge and Wigan are a team who play good football with their Spanish coach. They play in an unusual system compared to the other teams of the Premier League.

"There is a risk but we were fully awake during the game we played against them recently. We will not be surprised."

He also ruled out any future move to Paris Saint Germain.

"Could I go to Paris Saint-Germain? No, I am a supporter of Marseille."

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Aguero: We could have done better

Sergio Aguero insists FA Cup glory will suffice for Manchester City this season, but has urged his team-mates to set higher standards in the future.



Aguero, 24, avoided sanction for his challenge on David Luiz in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea after helping his side into the final with a decisive second-half goal.



City's Premier League defence is all but over and the FA Cup may prove a much-needed reprieve from the disappointment of finishing bottom of their Champions League group.



When asked if the season will be deemed successful with a win in the cup final, Aguero said: "In a sense, yes, but in another you have to remember that we have a great team, a strong squad, that is capable of fighting to win more trophies.



"We could have done better. It is a club that has not won a lot in the past and at least if we win one trophy then everything is good for the club. We're really happy to be in the final. It was what we wanted from the game.



"We are too many points from (Manchester) United in the league, and this is the only cup that we can win, so we have to take it seriously. It's crucial that we try to win something every year, whether that's a cup or the league.



"This year, we cannot win the league, we are too far away, but this is an important cup in England, for the club, and for everyone."



City face a quick turnaround ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against Wigan, although Aguero is confident his side's elimination from Europe has kept them refreshed during the latter stages of the season.



"Sometimes it's better to have played more games, because it gives you greater playing rhythm, but at the same time it means you get more tired, more quickly," Aguero added.



"But it was a very big pitch at Wembley, and we are a team that works very hard and that means we are all very tired. But yes, we have a lot of energy. We will all be able to give our all until the season ends, so that we can finish on a high, finishing well in the league and winning the cup.



"I try to do the best for the team and give the most I can in every game, that's all. Lately, I have scored a few important goals, but all that matters is that the team wins."

Aguero may face ban

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is waiting to find out whether the FA will ban him retrospectively for an ugly two-footed lunge on Chelsea's David Luiz in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.



Luiz appeared to catch Aguero with an elbow as the pair chased the ball in the 82nd minute and the Manchester City forward retaliated by diving in two-footed on the prone Blues defender.

Aguero had earlier scored what turned out to be the winner in City's 2-1 triumph but the FA will discuss the Luiz clash with ref Chris Foy, who only gave Chelsea a free-kick.

Blues boss Rafael Benitez was furious about the incident and, when asked about it after the game, tersely replied: "See the video. I will not talk about other players."

But he added: "I'm very disappointed at the moment, you have officials to make decisions. It's something they have to clarify."

Luiz says he forgives Aguero but thinks the forward should apologise for the challenge.

"I forgive everybody in my life but Aguero is a great player and he needs to honest with himself and say I don't like to do bad tackles," said the Brazilian.

"If it was the opposite, and I did the tackle, I would say 'sorry, this is not me, this is not good for football'. Kids watch the game and need to see good things.

"We need to show football is beautiful. In games like this both teams want to win, sometimes people can be angry and do things they don't want to do."



Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini said: "I don't know what he did but usually Aguero takes a lot of kicks from the defenders.

"The referee was there. There are six referees."

Aguero targets third Chelsea win

Sergio Aguero is aiming for a hat-trick of wins against Chelsea when Manchester City take on Rafa Benitez's team in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.



City started their season by defeating Chelsea 3-2 in the Community Shield and secured a 2-0 win over the European champions in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.



They also drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in November in Benitez's first game in charge after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo.

"We've had three close games against Chelsea already this season and we expect the same again on Sunday," Aguero told City's official website.



"We'll go out looking to win like we did earlier this season when we faced them in the Community Shield and at home in the Premier League - it goes without saying we hope the result is the same this time around.

The Argentine striker believes Benitez has changed Chelsea's style of play, explaining: "I think that Chelsea's current manager is trying to use a patient approach to open teams up rather than utilise the counter-attack. It's probably going to be a very open game and the team who keeps their head at the crucial moments will win."



Because of injury, Aguero has not started a game since February's 2-0 win over Chelsea but he came off the bench to decide Monday's Manchester derby.



And he believes that spectacular strike ranks among his best goals.

"It's always a good thing to score in a derby and even more so if it's the winner," he added. "We lost the home derby in the very last minute and we didn't deserve that so it was satisfying to win at Old Trafford.



"Personally, it's rewarding to be able to score such an important goal, especially after spending a long time without playing because of an injury. Given the context, the moment and the fact it was a derby, it may possibly be one of my best goals so far."

United vs. City | Preview

Kick-Off 20:00 at Old Trafford

Team News :

Man United team news:

• The likes of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael, Jonny Evans and Paul Scholes should all be fit ahead of the derby on Sunday as they continue to recover from injuries.


• Darren Fletcher is the only player who will definitely miss out and the lack of form from the wingers will mean that the wide berths are most hotly contested.


• The likes of Cleverley and Jones are likely to be in competition for a place alongside Carrick, while Welbeck could be played on the left.

 Man City team news: 

• Manchester City have no fresh injury concerns for their trip to Old Trafford.

• Samir Nasri will hope his display last weekend will have earned him a start over Milner, though the England international usually starts in these big matches.

• Jack Rodwell misses out but should be available for the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea next weekend.

Match Fact

City's 6-1 win in last season's corresponding fixture was United's heaviest Premier League defeat, and the first time they had conceded six at Old Trafford since 1930.

This is the 165th Manchester derby in all competitions. Manchester United lead by 69 wins to City's 45, with 50 draws.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have met 11 times as managers. Ferguson has won six to Mancini's four.

United Stats:

Manchester United have won 50 of a possible 54 points in their last 18 Premier League games (W16, D2).

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are the first team in English top-flight history to win 25 of their first 30 league games of a season.

They need 19 points from their remaining eight matches to set a new Premier League record for most points (96).

City Stats:

Manchester City have taken just 11 points from the last 21 available.

City have eight points fewer than they did at this stage last season.

Roberto Mancini's side have conceded 26 league goals, five fewer than any other top-flight side. They have also kept an unrivalled 14 clean sheets.