UPS AND DOWNS OF THE DERBY

The Manchester Derby on Saturday is the most expensive match in history wth players likely to turn out being worth over £600 million in total. Mourinho's United are worth over £328m (with Ibrahimovic on a free) and Guardiola's £289+ (Zabaleta only £6.5m). In the stands of course is Aguero and his elbow worth £38m.

The first derby between the Manchester clubs was held on 12th November 1881. The match was between West Gorton (St Marks) now City and Newton Heath LYR I(Lancashire and Yorkshire railway), well known as United. Remember those ardent United fans wearing the old colours of yellow and green when they were fed up with the administration of the club?

City lost 0-3 and the Ashton reporter described the game as a "pleasant one". The teams played in the short lived Football Alliance until eventually joining the Football League in 1892-3, with Ardwick in the 2nd Division and Newton Heath the 1st.

Newton Heath struggled in the early days and came bottom of Division One two years running and were eventually relegated. By 1894-5 newly named Manchester City played Newton Heath in the 2nd Division.

In 1898-9 City were promoted to Div One and Newton Heath stayed in the lower division becoming known as United in 1902-3. During this season United played derbies in the same division as City who hade been relegated in 1901-2. In 1902-3 City quickly returned to Division One and met United in 1906-7.

In 1908-9 City went down only to come straight back winning the Second Division championship in 1909-10. In 1910-11 United were First Division champions, City came 17/22.

In 1913-4 United came 14 and City 13th in Division One with equal points separated by the equivalent of goal difference.

Then came the War. So far City have won 49, United 71 and drawn 51.