At times in the past the blue side of Manchester lived in the rather large shadow of the red side. That was the past and today the balance of power in Manchester has clearly shifted to the Citizens. Recent displays from both Manchester City and Manchester United have painted a rather interesting picture. After City's dismantling of West Ham United 6-0 at the Etihad in Manchester, City is looking threatening and strong as any first class team in the world. Opposed to the red side, which at this current moment have yet to record a win in the New Year and are in dire need of salvaging their campaign.

The Red Devils, who are under a transition with a new manager, have yet to record a win in the New Year and their strength at Old Trafford has dissipated. Recent times though one could relish that David Moyes has improved the Red Devils away form. Although Tuesday’s match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light depicted the alacrity amongst the United squad in the absence of Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie. The squad overall could use reinforcement and possibly off-loading some of the excess that are underperforming. There is need for new faces at Old Trafford in the defense and in the midfield. The promise coming from the possible "new English youth" as seemed to fade somewhat. The frustration amongst the United faithful isn’t quite placed on the manager entirely, but mostly with the performance on the field.

On the other side, the blue side, success is flourishing and at admirable pace. The appointment of Manuel Pelegrini has galvanized the blue side into a treble and possible quadruple winning club this campaign. With their recent investments and acquisitions the citizens are poised to acquire silverware this season. With the likes of Yaya Toure, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, David Silva, Sergio Aguerro, an endless list of players that are performing "out of their socks" for Manchester City. Wednesday’s match against West Ham United showed the strength, depth, and overall quality of the Citizens this campaign. Another fact to ponder about is that the Etihad has become the new Old Trafford; it has become a fortress for Manchester City. Brushing a side teams left and right with much ease in front of the City faithful has many fans dreaming for the moon.

The New Year has swiftly arrived and it has yet to yield anything to the Red Devils. On the other side 2014 has been bountiful for City, their expenditures throughout the years has proven to be well worth their time and money (minus Jovetic, but that’s another discussion.) David Moyes should take note of the lack of drive by a handful of United players and simply the squad currently lacks depth and quality. The eras of Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo has simply come to a close, but with every closed door a window opens. The open window though currently has a bright glow from a rather large blue moon.