Transfers between the Premier League’s two Manchester clubs are extremely rare.
Pep Guardiola has reportedly granted his approval for an unusual trade between the two Manchester clubs.
Manchester City and Manchester United have done virtually little player trade over the years. In fact, there hasn’t been a straight transfer fee between the two since Terry Cooke left United and joined City in 1999. Cooke had already been on loan to United’s rivals.
Keeper Tony Coton went from Maine Road to Old Trafford in 1996, joining other players who had switched from blue to red.
The experienced goalkeeper never made a Premier League game for United as Peter Schmeichel’s understudy before moving to Sunderland six months later.
The City boss appears to have approved the club’s pursuit of Red Devils midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is now out of favour.
“The highly rated teenager has yet to start a Premier League game this season, leaving him dissatisfied. Mainoo wanted to depart on loan before the summer window closed, but the Manchester United leadership refused to allow it, according to TEAMTalk.
“Rivals Manchester City are mulling an unexpected move for the 20-year-old.
“Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the game’s best tacticians, believes Mainoo is one of England’s greatest prospects.
“While deals between Manchester United and Manchester City are uncommon, Guardiola’s adoration may make this a situation to watch intently. Mainoo’s ability to dominate play and adapt to high-pressing tactics is appropriate for City’s mentality.”
Chelsea and Newcastle United are also believed to be interested in Mainoo, whose progress at Old Trafford has stopped.
Finding a way to integrate him into City’s crowded midfield would be a challenge that Guardiola would welcome.
Other players that crossed the Manchester divide throughout the years include Liverpool right-back John Gidman and the legendary Denis Law.
Of course, there has been another recent case of a player leaving one side of Manchester for the other, replete with a billboard advertising campaign and derby drama.
However, Carlos Tevez’s 2009 signing with City did not match the criteria for a cross-city coupon-buster.
Revisiting the Tevez Saga
Tevez’s ‘ownership’ situation in the Premier League was complex, to say the least.
His two years at Old Trafford were technically on loan, which meant he moved physically between the two but remained permanently registered with West Ham United until 2009.
The Argentinian never agreed to permanent terms with United, instead signing a five-year contract with City and playing more than 100 league games for them over the next four years, whether he wanted to or not.
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