LONDON — The balance of power in Manchester is changing.
Sir Alex Ferguson calls Manchester City "a small club" and will never overtake United "in my time." Unless Ferguson's time at Old Trafford is going to end suddenly, United's era of dominance, not just in Manchester but in English football, appears to be drawing to an end.
The title may well stay in Manchester, but on the blue side of the city not the red. In a season when none of the traditional heavyweights are knocking out opponents as in the past, it is not beyond City, seven points behind leader Chelsea, to become English champions.