Harry Redknapp considers Man United to finish above City
Tottenham Hotspurs boss Harry Redknapp has full belief that Manchester United will finish above Man City this season but claimed that that may well not be the case in coming seasons.
Since the takeover of Man City two seasons ago by Abu Dhabi Group, a new battle has taken birth in Manchester. The new owners of the club have invested heavily in the club to land some of the top talents in Europe and have spent over 1 billion pounds since their takeover in 2008. Last season, United outsmarted and outwitted City on three occasions to confirm that they are the big dogs of Manchester but that is something the Red Devils cannot take for granted this season. City has transformed into a lethal force this season, having already toppled some mega oppositions this season. The side gave the title holders Chelsea their first taste of defeat this season when they managed a 1-0 win over the Blues.
However, Redknapp still backs Sir Alex Ferguson’s men to finish on top of their mega rich neighbours. By the time Tottenham takes on the Red Devils today, Man City may well have moved three points clear of their neighbours owing to their rather easier fixture against Wolves. Redknapp would want to pull one over Ferguson and deny them a chance to acquire three points at Old Trafford owing to the crunch battle for the top four positions, whereas many as six teams are neck-to-neck for the Champions league spot.
Redknapp claimed that the only way City can overtake their successful neighbours is by continuing to spend more cash but has full faith in United to deplete the threat at least for this season.
“They're going to push them all the way, obviously. They're going to keep improving but, at the moment, I still wouldn't want to bet on Man City finishing in front of Man United this year. If you asked me to put my life on it, I think I'd still go with Man United," stated the Spurs boss.
The manager explained that the only way by which City can overtake the Red Devils will be to continue their spending spree and explained that that is the reason how Chelsea, Arsenal, United and Liverpool have managed that over the years.
"If Ian Holloway had £150million-£200million to spend, he'd be close to winning the league at Blackpool, wouldn't he?" joked the former Portsmouth boss.
On the topic of whether United is going towards a steady downfall, Redknapp explained that as long as Sir Alex is at the helm, United would still be the best. The manager argued that Man United has the infrastructure to create the best talent in Europe and would still be at the top as long as Ferguson is there. That is because of Sir Alex’s vast experience and professionalism that United have managed to remain at the top for so many years and would continue to do so.
However, the rise of Manchester City is also not that good for Tottenham Hotspurs, who only edged past them for the 4th spot last season. Redknapp confessed that City have drastically improved from what they were last season, which can cause greats problems for Spurs for the Champions league spot. Redknapp claimed that Arsenal would still remain in the top four and Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton can also not be counted off as they are pushing hard as well.
Spurs stand an outside chance to finish in the top four this season, owing to the current form of Manchester City. Spurs are two points behind the Eastlands club and would want to keep winning crunch fixtures in order to reserve a spot in the top four.
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