Man City

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Beckham: One team in Manchester
July 21, 2011

David Beckham has laughed off suggestions tat ManC could usurp United as the city's prominent side, insisting "there's only 1 team in Manchester".

Beckham watches events @ his former club unravel fr afar nowadays, as he continues his attempt 2 lead the LA Galaxy 2 MLS success. He will, however, come in2 contact with City on Saturday, when the Galaxy play host 2 a high-profile friendly.

Having finished 3rd in the Premier League & won the FA Cup last season, City r widely tipped 2 provide a stern challenge 2 United's crown in the 2011-12 campaign. Carlos Tevez's future is currently in limbo, but Roberto Mancini is still expected 2 press ahead with the signing of world class Argentina 4ward Sergio Aguero.

Beckham forces himself 2 admit tat City r becoming major players in England's top flight, but he told fans of the club not 2 kid themselves tat they r on the verge of eclipsing United.

Asked if he is tipping City 2 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 alot of money behind them, so they're going 2 improve.

"But they'll never be ManU. They might be a threat tis season, but United hv got the history, the silverware over the last 20 years. There's only 1 team in Manchester, but City I'm sure will be a team 2 look @ going 4ward."

Asked for his opinion on Tevez, who has stressed his desire 2 return 2 South America - only 2 see a move 2 Corinthians collapse - Beckham is convinced the City board will spend $ regardless of wat happens with their star striker.

"Tevez was a really strong player 4 them last season, so if they lose him it will be disappointing. But they've got alot behind them as an organisation, so they can afford 2 bring world class players in. If they continue 2 do tat I'm sure they'll be strengthened."

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Mancini wants new signings
July 22, 2011

ManC manager Roberto Mancini says he is looking 2 bring in 2 or 3 quality players 2 the club, regardless of whether 1-away skipper Carlos Tevez is sold.

Mancini is believed 2 be on the verge of making an offer 4 Sergio Aguero, as the Atletico Madrid front-man is seen as the perfect replacement 4 his Argentina strike partner. However, the City boss has indicated tat he would be willing 2 bring in Aguero even if Tevez remains @ Eastlands.

"I think it is really difficult 2 buy any players becos all the good teams 1 these players,'' Mancini said on Sky Sports News.

"But I hope tat b4 the game against [Manchester] United [in the Community Shield on August 7] we can hv all these players.

"We hv 2, 3 targets but it depends. We need 2 improve becos we r @ the moment a few players [short] 4 competition & we need 2 hv other players.''

4 the time being @ least, Mancini still has Tevez & the manager is adamant he is still welcome @ the club.

"At the moment Carlos is still a City player, like yesterday, like 3 days ago,'' he said.

"In the future we will see wat can happen. But 4 us Carlos is an important player.

"Carlos 1s 2 leave, 1s 2 go back 2 Argentina or maybe another country 4 his family. It is only becos of tis I think tat the club accept 2 sell Carlos, becos I think tat we respect his reasons."

Tevez, on holiday aft Argentina were knocked out of the Copa America, is said not 2 be "overly worried" by the collapse of his move 2 Corinthians.

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Mancini eyes more control
July 23, 2011

Roberto Mancini says he 1s full control over all football matters @ ManC, just as as his United rival SAF has across town.

Mancini took over as City boss in 2009 & understands tat success on the pitch will allow him further power over issues such as player transfers in the future. But the Italian tactician, who helped the club claim their 1st silverware in 35 years last campaign, appears 2 be growing frustrated as next season looms.

"Maybe 4 me it's difficult becos I hv only been here for 18 months or so," Mancini told The Sun. "Maybe I need 2 hv more control of the team & the other situations.

"For a manager, that's very important. Maybe if I win the Premier League tis season it will be different. But it's important 4 the manager 2 hv control over the players, the medical staff & the other situations. It can improve.

"I agree with [Sir Alex] but he has been @ United 4 a long time, so 4 him it is easy. He has 2 be in control of everything, doesn't he?

"It's different fr Italy & I prefer [the] English style becos if the manager loses the manager is sacked, & so I think the manager needs 2 take every decision. If he makes a mistake, he pays 4 it."

City's board were hoping 2 offload players such as Carlos Tevez & Emmanuel Adebayor b4 making bids 4 their top targets, such as Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero. However, Mancini feels valuable time has since elapsed as his side continue their pre-season preparations, & City r yet 2 sell their unwanted players.

"At the moment we r not ready 2 play 4 the title. But maybe in 2 weeks we will be ready," Mancini said.

"I think we can get the players we 1. I think in football anything can happen, football is strange 4 tis. But if we 1 2 compete 4 all competitions we must hv players - but we r working 4 tis.

"Teams like United & Chelsea don't need 2 buy 6 players. Maybe they only need 2 or 3 & they r OK. 4 us, it's different & difficult. Tis could be the last season tat it is like tis 4 us.

"Maybe next summer we will just need 1 or 2 players."

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Fergie reveals Tevez reasons
July 24, 2011

SAF has revealed tat Carlos Tevez wasn't signed by ManU on a permanent deal becos he said he was going 2 quit football in 4 years' time.

Tevez was @ Old Trafford for 2 years on loan, but United chose not 2 take up the option 2 keep him & he joined rivals ManC.

Since then, the Argentine has gone on 2 become 1 of the best players in the Premier League, leading many 2 question Ferguson's wisdom over the decision 2 let him go. However, the canny Scot has revealed the reasons 4 turning down Tevez, claiming tat it would not hv been a worthwhile long-term investment.

"Tevez told us he was only going 2 play for 4 more years," Ferguson said. "If we had signed him on a 5-year contract knowing tat he was going 2 quit in 4, there would have been no re-sale value 4 us."

With the £45 million rated Tevez keen 2 quit City 2 return 2 South America 2 be nearer his family, Ferguson also revealed where he though the striker's future lies, despite recent interest fr Italian side Inter Milan.

"I'm not sure Inter would pay £45 million, especially aft he's said he 1s 2 go back 2 -Argentina 2 see his kids. I can see him staying @ City," he added.

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Balotelli in the spotlight again
July 25, 2011

Mario Balotelli sparked controversy as he was substituted aft only 31 mins following his attempted backheel when clean thru on goal in ManC's narrow pre-season win over the LA Galaxy.

Balotelli had already put City ahead fr the penalty spot aft Micah Richards had been fouled.

He was then sent clear of the home side's defence on the half hour but instead of attempting 2 score normally, Balotelli tried a complicated pivot, followed by a backheel which rolled wide.

Manager Roberto Mancini was clearly furious & immediately took Balotelli off.

"I hope tis is a lesson 4 him," Mancini told various newspapers aft the match in which City won 7-6 on penalties aft it ended 1-1 in normal time. "In football you always need 2 be professional, always serious & in tis moment he wasn't professional.

"If u r serious, you can play 90 mins. If not, you can come & sit by me on the bench."

The striker responded with a few choice words 2 the City chief as he made his way 2 the bench, indicating tat he did not understand wat he had done wrong.

Mancini replied, presumably pointing out how disrespectful the move had been. Balotelli angrily took his place on the bench b4 throwing his water-bottle 2 the ground in disgust.

He did not return 2 the bench 4 the 2nd half, further fuelling an already tempestuous relationship with Mancini.

"He needs 2 understand his behaviour has 2 be good in every game - not just in a final or a semi-final but every game," Mancini added. "He knows he made a mistake. Football should always be serious & if you hv a chance 2 score, you should score."

Balotelli's actions add 2 growing crime sheet since he joined City just 12 months ago, although Mancini was keen 2 draw a line under the incident.

"Mario is young, I 1 2 help him & tat is the end of it,'' he added.

"To take him off aft 30 mins is enough punishment. It won't hv been easy 4 him but it has 2 be a lesson.''

Asked wat Balotelli had said 2 him, he replied: "It was in Italian. In English I would find it difficult 2 give u the translation. But Mario is streetwise, he knows he was not offside."

Balotelli was sent-off @ West Brom in November, then against Dynamo Kiev in a last 16 Europa League tie which Mancini branded "stupid".

On more than 1 occasion the City chief accused Balotelli of not listening 2 him & the 20-year-old raised further eyebrows when he accepted the Golden Boy award & declared of the previous winners, the only 1 who was a "little bit" better than him was Lionel Messi.

He did not turn up 4 an end-of-season trophy parade - even though he was named man-of-the-match as City defeated Stoke in the FA Cup final @ Wembley.

Already tis season he was pictured showing off a T-shirt of questionable taste, which was condemned by the Damilola Taylor Trust.

With the club due 2 return 2 England @ the end of their 3-match tour, Mancini will presumably let Balotelli know exactly wat he thinks, although with the future of Carlos Tevez uncertain & relations with Emmanuel Adebayor & Craig Bellamy non-existent, City currently hv an unhappy roster of strikers ahead of Sergio Aguero's planned £45 million move fr Atletico Madrid.

The controversy surrounding Ballotelli's substitution reduced David Beckham's 45-minute appearance 2 a sideshow as Mike Magee bagged a 2nd-half leveller 4 the hosts b4 Joe Hart ended a marathon penalty shoot-out 2 secure a 7-6 spot-kick triumph 4 City.

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De Jong warns Balotelli
July 25, 2011

ManC midfielder Nigel de Jong has warned team-mate Mario Balotelli not 2 waste his talent, aft he was substituted aft attempting a trick shot in the club's friendly against L.A. Galaxy.

Balotelli, 20, sparked a verbal clash with manager Roberto Mancini, who hauled the striker off a few mins aft the incident & displayed his anger on the bench.

De Jong, who was particularly demonstrative in his remonstrations with Balotelli @ the time, said in comments quoted in The Guardian: ''I've played with some strange characters in the past but it's the 1st time I hv seen tat.

''It is frustrating, & he has 2 iron out those issues otherwise it will be a waste of his talent. He has 2 realise tat now.

''All his team-mates r here 2 help him but he's his own person & he is the only 1 who can change his ways.''

However, David Beckham has stuck up 4 Balotelli as the Galaxay star, whilst reminding Balotelli of his status within the game, did feel there was a legitimate excuse.

''I hv watched it back a few times & fr his mannerisms I believe he thought he was offside,'' Beckham said. ''Mario has been a great player 4 quite afew years & he is still very young. He will continue 2 get better I m sure.

''But it doesn't matter whether you think it was offside or not. There r alot of young kids watching these teams & great players who come out here. You hv 2 be professional & score the goal.''

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Aguero: Call me Che Guevara
July 28, 2011

Sergio Aguero has promised 2 light up the Premier League as ManC prepare 2 formally announce his move fr Atletico Madrid, calling himself "the Che Guevara of modern soccer".

Aguero, who turned 23 last month, was quick 2 distance himself fr any comparisons 2 Argentina legend, & father-in-law, Diego Maradona - preferring 2 be seen as a footballing revolutionary himself.

Aguero told the Sun: "No 1 will ever be exactly like Maradona again but I really think tat every so often there is a total revolution in football & some1 needs 2 be the revolutionary who starts things off. Tat's me.

"Maradona made some 'noise' in his day & I 1 2 roar a bit in my day - now.

"I like tricks, I like 2 dazzle, I like 2 be able 2 score a goal with 1 leg bent round the other so tat you smack the ball in2 the net with your wrong foot. Dribbling & leaving your opponent on his backside is wat life is 4.

"If I achieve wat I 1 2 then I'll mark a distinct era in football. I'm the Che Guevara of modern soccer."

The striker, who will cost the Champions League newcomers around £38 million, has already announced he has signed 4 City via his official Twitter account, & all tat is now left is 4 the club 2 confirm the deal.

City travel 2 Ireland 4 the Dublin Super Cup tis weekend, & the club left a "+ 1 other" under strikers on their squad announcement 4 the event @ the Aviva Stadium. Aguero seems certain 2 fill tat position.

Only 4 players - Lionel Messi, David Villa, Diego Forlan & Frederic Kanoute - scored more La Liga goals than Aguero since he moved 2 Atletico fr Independiente in 2006.

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Aguero already eyeing silverware
July 29, 2011

Hours aft signing a new 5-year deal, ManC's record signing Sergio Aguero has set his sights on winning silverware with the club.

Roberto Mancini's side ended the club's 35-year wait 4 a trophy by lifting the FA Cup in May, while a 3rd-placed top-flight finish put them in2 the Champions League 4 the 1st time.

Aguero, winner of the 2010 Europa League with Atletico, believes the club is headed 2ward further honours tis campaign.

"I saw the game [FA Cup final] & I think we r a team tat in the future will be fighting every year 2 win major trophies," said the 23-year-old.

"Let's hope tat it's quite a few major trophies."

Aguero earlier stated tat he believes he wil not hv any problems adapting 2 English football.

"I think in terms of technique the leagues r similar. Maybe the game is more physical in England & there is a greater emphasis on tactics in Spain," he said on ManC's official website.

"Fr wat I've seen on TV there is a high level of skill here.

"It is quite different but I need 2 wait 4 my 1st game, go out & do my best & find out 4 real wat it's like, becos playing is not the same as watching it on TV.

"My style has always been 2 fight 2 the death 4 every ball, & give 100% in every game.

"I'm not a player who can do everything, but I still hv plenty 2 offer.

"I don't think I'll hv 2 many problems settling in2 the team."

Aguero became manager Mancini's 3rd signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Arsenal defender Gael Clichy & Partizan Belgrade's Stefan Savic.

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Mancini to bring in two more
July 30, 2011

Roberto Mancini has revealed tat ManC's summer spending is set 2 continue, even aft tis week's £38 million capture of Argentina international Sergio Aguero.

Striker Aguero, who joined fr Atletico Madrid, was City's 3rd signing of the summer, following Gael Clichy & Stefan Savic in2 the Etihad Stadium, which will host Champions League football 4 the 1st time next season.

The City squad is already bursting @ the seams, with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge, Emmanuel Adebayor & Nedum Onuoha surplus 2 requirements - but it still seems tat further arrivals r imminent.

"We still 1 2 get a midfielder & another winger," Mancini said. "If we 1 2 compete with the top teams, in the Premiership & England, we need other players."

Meanwhile, Mancini confirmed tat Aguero will play no part in tis weekend's Dublin Super Cup, which also features Celtic, Airtricity XI & Inter Milan. Instead, he is expected 2 make his debut against ManU in the Community Shield clash @ Wembley in the 1st weekend of August.

Aguero said: "In 5 years I hv only had 1 holiday so I'm used 2 it. 1 week of rest & a couple of days of training & I'll be ready 2 play."

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Lennon keen to land Bellamy
July 30, 2011

Celtic manager Neil Lennon hopes 2 contact ManC over the availability of striker Craig Bellamy, but admits $ may be a stumbling block.

The Northern Irishman hopes 2 speak with representatives of the Barclays Premier League club tis weekend when both teams compete in the Dublin Super Cup.

Lennon told the Daily Telegraph: ''There is interest, but it is dictated 2 by finances. I hope 2 catch up with [City] while they r here & see if we can take it fr there.''

Bellamy became a popular figure among the Hoops faithful during a successful loan spell in Glasgow 6 years ago as a Newcastle player.

The 32-year-old was loaned out 2 Cardiff last season but has since returned 2 City, who further bolstered their attacking line with the acquisition of Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.

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Corinthians to return for Tevez
July 30, 2011

Corinthians will return 2 try & sign ManC's wantaway striker Carlos Tevez in January 1s the Brazilian transfer window opens again.

Tevez's €50 million move 2 Corinthians collapsed last week as negotiations stuttered over the player's valuation & the ability of the Brazilian club 2 pay the full fee in instalments.

Now, marketing director Luis Paulo Rosenberg is watching Tevez's links with a move 2 Inter Milan carefully & insists tat if the Argentine is still a City player @ the start of next year, then his club will come back with another offer.

"You can expect us 2 go aft him again," Rosenberg told Bloomberg. "I think [our offer] was €5 million [2 low]. But we would still hv 2 deal with Tevez; we did not [get] 2 becos we still needed 2 reach a settlement with the City.''

Former Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has already arrived @ Eastlands as Tevez's replacement, suggesting tat Tevez may soon get his wish 2 move closer 2 his family.

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Vieira urges City fans to trust Mancini
July 31, 2011

Former ManC midfielder Patrick Vieira thinks tat Roberto Mancini is the perfect man 2 deal with the issues surrounding the future of Carlos Tevez.

Vieira, now a part of the club's youth development staff, claims tat Mancini has the man-management skills 2 lead the club 2 greatness & says he will always put City ahead of the egos of some of his star players.

"Wat I respect most abt Mancini is tat he isn't afraid 2 make the big decisions,'' Vieira told The Daily Mirror. "Remember last summer when he allowed Craig Bellamy 2 join Cardiff - even though he knew tis was a player the fans loved.

"Tis time he is having 2 manage a difficult situation with Carlos Tevez. But having 2 take these big decisions will not worry him. Whether he makes the right choice or the wrong choice, Mancini is some1 who is brave 2 make a decision & move on. He always looks @ the big picture.

"Whether Carlos stays or leaves, the only thing Mancini will be thinking abt is wat is right 4 the team so tat he can win more silverware. It takes time 4 fans 2 trust a manager, but winning the FA Cup & finishing 3rd will make the fans believe in Roberto.

"He will not worry 1 bit abt wat other people think. He can be ruthless with players - but great managers like [Sir Alex] Ferguson, [Arsene] Wenger & [Jose] Mourinho all hv tat gift."

Vieira has also said tat Mancini can cope with the pressure of needing 2 win trophies @ the club & says he has the self-belief 2 succeed.

"There were a lot of things said abt the manager last season, abt wat would happen 2 him if he wasn't successful,'' he added. ''If anything, the pressure will be even more tis season becos the expectations will grow.

"But I don't think pressure is something tat Mancini worries about becos he has worked under pressure all his life. No-1 will put Roberto under more pressure than he does himself. He doesn't just 1 2 win, he expects 2 win. Tat is his mentality.

"He was happy 2 win the FA Cup 4 City, but he will 1 tat 2 be the start. Mancini didn't come 2 England just 2 win the Cup. He came here 2 win the league. He 1s 2 win the Champions League 4 ManC.

"If he didn't believe tat the club was in a position 2 let him achieve his ambitions then he wouldn't hv come here. Being faced by Ferguson & Wenger won't worry him. Sure, those men r managers he respects, but he has a belief tat he can beat them."

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Balotelli 'unhappy in Manchester
August 1, 2011

Mario Balotelli has revealed he does not enjoy living in Manchester & says he misses his friends & family in Italy.

Balotelli's comments show similarities with team-mate Carlos Tevez's declaration tis summer tat he 1s 2 leave the club 2 be nearer his children.

Italy international Balotelli only joined City fr Inter Milan last summer, 4 around £24 million, but his admission tat he has struggled 2 settle in the North West of England is sure 2 spark conjecture over his future.

"I'm not happy @ Manchester - I don't like the city," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I'm happy with the coach & within the team, but you can't hv everything in life.

"I don't miss Milan. I miss Brescia, my home. I miss my family & my friends, but I think tis experience in England will help me grow as an individual. I don't know if I will stay until the end of my contract. I'm here 4 now & then we'll see."

Balotelli also hinted tat he would consider joining Inter rivals AC Milan in the future, adding: "They r a great team. We could talk abt it 1 day."

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Cantona critical of City approach
August 4, 2011

ManU legend Eric Cantona believes the club's cross-town rivals will need 2 invest in youth development rather than big-name players if they r 2 reach the level of success achieved @ Old Trafford.

Cantona, currently in the UK 2 promote the New York Cosmos 4 whom he is the director of soccer, has warned ManC they will never match his former club despite splashing cash tis summer on the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy & Stefan Savic.

Manager Roberto Mancini complained 2wards the end of last season @ the lack of players with 1st-team potential in the City academy, which was a remarkable statement given how productive the club had previously been @ youth level.

"United r the best team," said Cantona. "I don't know how City work. Maybe they r working on the academy. But 2day they 1 2 spend millions 2 buy players 2 build a team.

"They hv been successful becos they won the FA Cup but if they only 1 2 do tat, they will not be as strong as ManU.

"United work on the long term, with young talent."

Cantona also launched a rebuke @ Carlos Tevez & Mario Balotelli, who hv tis summer both criticised the lifestyle in Manchester.

"They don't like the place? It depends upon where they come fr. If they come fr Milan, maybe. Also it depends why they hv come.

"I had a great time here & a great time in the city but the most important thing 4 me was 2 play 4 the best club in the world, with the best players in the world.

"I was a professional player. I didn't try 2 find a city 2 enjoy it. The greatest time you can hv is on the pitch."

And, 14 years aft leaving, Cantona is back as manager of the Cosmos in which huge investment & PR could see them become Major League Soccer's 20th team.

"I didn't 1 2 come back like any other ex-player," said Cantona. "I wanted 2 come back with a special club. We hv alot of things 2 do. We 1 2 do them well.

"We 1 2 win things & build things. We 1 2 work on the long term & try 2 be 1 of the best teams in the USA & maybe help, thru our young talent, the national team 2 win the WC just as Barcelona helped Spain last year.

"I know all clubs 1 young players. But we r special, & better than the others.''

Cantona's managerial rival during Paul Scholes' testimonial in Manchester will be Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who asked Martin Edwards 2 throw in the Frenchman's name during a phone call with then Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby in 1992, resulting in a staggering transfer tat arguably changed the face of English football.

"Maybe I will die b4 Sir Alex," said Cantona. "I m sure he will be on the bench 4ever. It is his life.

"He was a good player. He has been a great manager 4 ManU."

Cantona certainly feels Ferguson will be more difficult 2 replace than any of the stellar talents who hv left United during the Scot's incredible reign, which in November will hv reached 25 years. And tat includes himself & Scholes, whose retirement will be honoured on Friday.

"I knew Paul when he was young," said Cantona. "He started here with us. He has been a great player. He could play anywhere, midfield, up front, he could score goals, make them, defend, tackle. He could do anything.

"He is a great player. I m very proud of him. But you can replace any player, esp @ a club like ManU, with a great manager like Ferguson.

"When a player leaves, you think the club won't win any more. But they still do. They hv a great history & they work alot every day so any player can be replaced.

"Paul is still a great player. But I left, [Cristiano] Ronaldo left, [Mark] Hughes left, [David] Beckham left, & United r still 1 of the best clubs in the world."

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City aim to raise noise level

Traditionally the season opening FA Community Shield, or Charity Shield as it used 2 be known, has always fallen below the high standards of the Premier League in terms of work-rate, passion & drama. Tis season, though, the concept of 'community' will be far fr Wembley as 2 warring factions fr Manchester aim 2 set down a marker 4 the coming campaign.

With ManC ending their barren run with an FA Cup final win @ the stadium in May, the wealthy 'noisy neighbours' - as SAF described them - r getting louder & tis season will provide an insight in2 how noisy they could be in the future.

With the financial power behind them 2 challenge any1 in the world, City hv turned the negativity surrounding the future of wantaway capt & talisman Carlos Tevez in2 a positive by immediately signing his replacement: £38 million Argentina international Sergio Aguero. Whether Tevez leaves or not, City r no weaker than last season & may yet use the rest of the transfer window 2 recruit further with Samir Nasri, Samuel Eto'o & Maicon all recently linked.

The Wembley clash could provide City fans with their 1st sight of Aguero in a blue shirt if he recovers fr illness, but United will also be using the competition 2 showcase their new talent. The Premier League champions hv spent £50 million on David De Gea, Phil Jones & Ashley Young, while speculation continues tat they will bring in Wesley Sneijder b4 the end of August, Ferguson looks content with his already impressive squad as it is.

Wayne Rooney has urged his side 2 ''start the season with a bang'' while many pundits hv tipped tis 2 be 1 of the greatest season openers in history. Since the creation of the Premier League, only 7 of the 19 Community Shield winners hv gone on 2 win the Premier League, but whoever is victorious will fancy overcoming the odds 2 lift the 1 tat really matters @ the end of the season.

Man Utd player to watch: David De Gea.
Stepping in2 the sizeable boots of Edwin van der Sar is not an easy task, but the Spain Under-21 international has all the attributes he needs 2 succeed. Incredibly down 2 earth, the tall goalkeeper will be thrust in2 the spotlight as the Manchester derby arrives & the pressure will be unlike anything he has ever seen b4. However, Ferguson believes he has the right man 2 dominate 4 a decade & a few early saves will certainly settle the nerves.

Man City player to watch: Gael Clichy.
A £7 million summer signing fr Arsenal, left-back Clichy is determined 2 win silverware with his new club & shore up a position in which the club hv struggled. His pace & stamina down the flanks will provide an outlet 4 City, while he will be looking 2 outdo international rival Patrice Evra on the other side of the pitch as he looks 2 impress France coach Laurent Blanc. Concerns over his concentration still permeate his game, but his experience of top-level games will be invaluable.

Key Battle: Tom Cleverley v Yaya Toure .
The void left by the retired Paul Scholes is something tat has worried SAF more than anything else tis summer, but without an agreement 4 Sneijder or Nasri, he will turn 2 youth & give Cleverley a chance 2 shine. The young midfielder impressed against Barcelona in pre-season & also on loan @ Wigan last year, but he could come up against a man mountain in Toure. The Ivorian plays in a more advanced role 4 City & uses his immense strength & power 2 charge 4ward 2 good effect - notable in last season's FA Cup semi against United & final against Stoke. The winner of tis midfield battle could free up space in the centre 4 others & will certainly help 2 decide the outcome of the game.

Trivia:
City hv not been in the Community/Charity Shield since 1973 when they lost 1-0 to Burnley. United hv competed in 14 of the last 19 &, with 18, r the competition's most successful team of all-time.

Stats: The 2 Manchester giants hv met 1s b4 in tis competition: in 1956, ManU triumphed over City with a 1-0 victory. The last 4 cup meetings betw these sides hv seen a total of 16 goals scored, with both sides scoring @ least 1s on each occasion.

Odds:
Man Utd (2.30), City (3.10) & the draw (3.30) r on offer with $$$$$$ while Wayne Rooney 2 score 1st comes in @ 6.50.

Prediction: The gap betw the 2 sides has never been closer in the Premier League era & City will relish the chance 2 seize the psychological initiative & upset their title rivals b4 the season has begun.