David Beckham believes Manchester City will never be bigger than his former club Manchester United.

The two teams go head-to-head on Tuesday in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands with many City fans confident of turning over their local rivals.

Backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's millions there is a real sense that the Blues can turn the tables and become the leading team in Manchester after years of heartache.

However Beckham insists it takes more than money to dislodge a team with the history and standing of Manchester United.
"City will never be bigger than United," he told the Daily Mirror.

"Being successful and one of the most recognised clubs in the world doesn't come from the money. It's about history."

The 34-year-old added that although he has not donned the Red shirt for nearly seven years he could still never envisage himself playing for City: "I'd never sign for Manchester City.
Loyalty

"It doesn't matter about money, it's always about loyalty. United are the team I supported and the team I played for and I just couldn't bring myself to sign for City."

The England international will come up against United for the first time in March when AC Milan travel to Old Trafford in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League and Beckham is adamant that if he scores he will not celebrate.

"It's going to be a weird feeling playing against United at Old Trafford. But I am ready for it now," he admitted.

"I wouldn't celebrate if I scored. It would take me a split second to compose myself and remind myself I couldn't because when you score a goal it's a rush and it's an instinct to celebrate.

"But if it happened at Old Trafford I would curb that instinct."

source: skysports.com

As a supporter AND former player, David Beckham is likely to say that, but hey, he is only saying what is true. I mean, just look at their history. Last trophy was 1976 and that was the league cup. They haven't challenged for anything of note in the last I don't know how long. It certainly isn't about the money, because we haven't got any!!!

Announced today:

Sky Sports News understands that David Gold and David Sullivan have completed their takeover of West Ham United.

The former Birmingham City co-owners have pieced together a package that valued the Upton Park side at £105million.

Sullivan has taken control of 50 per cent of the club, although West Ham are yet to confirm the news officially.

Karren Brady, who worked with the duo at St Andrews, is expected to be named vice-chairman once details of the deal are revealed.

Tony Fernandes, who was one of four parties looking to buy the club, conceded defeat in his chase for the Premier League side.

The Malaysian businessman revealed on his Twitter feed: "Deal lost on West Ham. Hopefully new owners protect what's good.

"We gave awesome deal and new ideas to rejuvenate a club and bring excitement."

Source: skysports.com

Could be good news for the Hammers, as they have limped along for the past few seasons. Gold and Sullivan turned Birmingham around and could do well at the Boleyn Ground

I think Berbatov is a fine player but for me he is not a United type player, having said that I also think that he needs to play in a settled side, Sir alex over the last couple of seasons has chopped and changed the side every week. I know he has had a lot of injuries especaily in defence this season, but I wish he could pick a settled side, it is over a hundred games since that has happened

Hello been a member for a couple of months, thought i'd introduce myself.

I live in Nottingham, been a Utd supporter all my life mainly due to a combination of Robson, Ince, Pallister & Giggsy and Utd winning the 1st game i remember watching which was the Milk Cup final against Forest.

Go to OT as often as i can, usually only about 4-5 times per season due to the cost of match day tickets i am going to the 2nd leg of the City game which i'm buzzin' about due to it being my first 'big' game.

Utd have never lost when i've gone to the game (i've been about 30 times) so if we do beat the noisy neighbours you'll konw who to thank

Hi there , new face in these here places , although i signed up many months ago ! Where can i start ? 41 years of age , United supporter all my life . Visited Old Trafford for the Solskaer Testimonial with my future Brother in law Nou_Camp99 and middle son who is also United mad . Seen United many times at various Stadiums across London including the Twin Towers .
Think United are now in a transition period where either Fergie has to get it right and stay or step aside and let a new man come in and do his thing . Pains me to say it after their wonderful service to the club and undoubted talents in the past but the likes of Scholes , Giggs & Neville now must step aside and be replaced with either new generation or buy in someone . Hard decision - especially as Giggs in particular is playing so well this season but thier collective wages could bring in some real talent .
I will try to post here as much as i can , sometimes you might agree with my comment sometimes not but hey thats democracy . Find me on the PS3 network under the same name and on rare occasions these days the Pro Evo 6 servers , again same name .
Thats all i have to say really , thanks for having me . United we stand !