Manchester United claimed their 19th top-flight title on the same day as neighbours Manchester City broke their trophy drought by claiming the FA Cup. City are also in the Champions League next season so where might the Manchester balance of power lie in 12 months time? (United 13/8 to win 2011-2012 Premier League title).
United looked anything but title contenders in the early stages of the season with several below-par performances as Chelsea swept all before them.
But they kept winning, and claimed countless points with goals right at the death, with the Blues then imploding around the festive period to fall off the pace.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men did rally to mount a late challenge but it was too little too late and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were deservedly crowned champions with a draw at Ewood Park.
Just a couple of hours later and it was the blue half of the city that was cheering as they won their first silverware in 35 years with a 1-0 success over Stoke City at Wembley.
With the monkey now off their backs, City will look to push on in the next few years to establish themselves as regular contenders for domestic and European glory.
So who might hold sway in the north west next term?
The jury may still be out on Roberto Mancini as manger and it is unclear whether he will be in charge of City’s next campaign, with rumours of return to Italy, but whoever is in the Eastlands’ hot-seat will not be able to compete with the experience and tactical nous of Ferguson.
The Scot’s record speaks for itself and, with a little tinkering here and there, it appears that he will have a squad to challenge for the title and in Europe against next season (United 13/8 to win Champions League final).
Javier Hernandez has emerged as real talent and, while the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are coming to the end of the careers, there is a pool of talent at Old Trafford that should be able to cope with their retirement.
Edwin van der Sar’s decision to hang up his gloves will be Ferguson’s main concern as the Dutchman has been the club’s best keeper since the great Peter Schmeichel, and he will look to fill the void sooner rather than later.
Wayne Rooney looked back to his best during the title run-in and, with the England international star in the ranks, United will always have that x-factor that can get them a goal from nowhere.
City appear to have a squad already the equal of their rivals but it is the togetherness of the United players that has proved the difference this term.
When things were not going well they still seemed to find a way of grinding out a result – something the stars at the City of Manchester Stadium will have to learn how to do.
There will be further big-name signings for City this summer – maybe the biggest yet. But it will not matter a jot if they are unable to gel with their team-mates.
Money can buy class players but it cannot buy team spirit and, under Ferguson, United have always had it in spades.
The balance of power may be shifting in Manchester but it could be a few more years yet before the blue flags fly higher than the red ones in the football-mad city.
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