The race to see who will finish higher of the Manchester rivals took another twist this weekend, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side reclaiming second spot in the Premier League after a late 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
Manchester United meanwhile dropped down to fourth after a second consecutive defeat, this time a 3-0 humbling by Everton at Goodison Park.
Both sides look all but assured a place in the top four this season, but local bragging rights remain up for grabs.
United looked firm favourites having beaten City comfortably 4-2 just a fortnight ago, yet Manuel Pellegrini’s side have bounced back well.
Both teams will have their sights set higher next season no doubt, with Manchester’s finest both looking to recapture the days that saw them sit top of the pile in English football, when the players identified in this best ever combined XI were at the peak of their powers.
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Click on United and City walking out at Old Trafford to reveal the best all-time Manchester United and Manchester City combined XI
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Peter Schmeichel
The great Dane is still considered to be perhaps the best goalkeeper of the Premier League era.
Signed from Brondby in 1991, Schmeichel went on to win five Premier League titles, three FA Cup’s, and an historic Champions League in his final match for the club in 1999.
Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine is a favourite amongst Manchester City fans, having gone on to establish himself as arguably the best right back in the county over the last three years.
One of the few natural leaders in the current City squad, Zabaleta has been instrumental in helping the Citizens to two Premier League titles in the past three years, and scored the opening goal in the famous 3-2 victory over QPR that earnt the first of those back in 2012.
Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic will be remembered as one of the Premier League’s best ever defenders – as well as one of the best Premier League bargains.
The Serb arrived at Old Trafford for just £6million back in January 2006, and went on to play an integral part in the club winning five titles and one Champions League during the eight years he spent at the club – a lot of which during he was captain.
Vincent Kompany
The 2014-15 season may not be one to remember for the Manchester City captain, but two titles in four years isn’t bad is it?
Originally signed as a midfielder by City, Kompany has gone on to establish himself as one of the best central defenders in the game.
Form and fitness has been an issue this season, but the Belgian will hope to prove class is permanent as City hope for better next season.
Patrice Evra
The Frenchman endured a horror debut against City having signed for United in January 2006.
That was as bad as it got for Evra however, who like Vidic won five league titles and a Champions League during his eight years at Old Trafford, again spending much of that time leading the team as captain.
David Silva
Signed from Valencia in the summer of 2010, David Silva’s arrival signalled a new dawn at the Etihad.
The Spaniard has established himself as the top playmaker in the Premier League, scoring 38 goals in 197 appearances, and producing more than 60 assists.
Silva has two Premier League winners medals to his name so far, and you can’t help but think there will be more to come before he hangs up his boots.
Paul Scholes
Those who claim Paul Scholes is the best footballer the country have ever produced need to only point to the stats.
Scholes was at the heart of a Man United midfield that dominated English football for the best part of 10 years.
Scholes retired with 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cup’s, and two Champions League titles to his name, as well as more than 100 league goals from midfield.
Yaya Toure
Perhaps the best imported attacking midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.
When Toure is on form, he is almost unstoppable. No City player played a bigger part in their title success last term than the Ivorian, who also has an FA Cup final winning goal on his CV.
The former Barcelona man may be in his final season at the Etihad however, with reports consistently linking him with a summer move to Inter Milan.
Ryan Giggs
The most decorated player in the history of English football, it is incredible to think Ryan Giggs only hung up his boots at the end of last season.
The Welsh winger was at the heart of every great United side under Sir Alex Ferguson, and looks set to eventually succeed the Scot, as predicted by current boss Louis van Gaal, who Giggs currently works for as United’s assistant manager.
Sergio Aguero
Scorer of the most famous Premier League goal of all time, Sergio Aguero has averaged more than 25 goals a season since signing from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011.
This has not been a vintage year for the Argentine, yet he still sits top of the Premier League goal scoring charts, and recently hit his 100th Manchester City goal in a 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
It is vital City keep hold of him this summer if they are to mount a serious title challenge once again next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The man currently labelled the best player in the world was originally signed by Manchester United for what proved to be a bargain £12million in the summer of 2003.
Ronaldo really peaked after the 2006 World Cup, and would go on to inspire United to three consecutive Premier League titles, as well as a third European Cup success in 2008.
He went on to join Real Madrid for what was at the time a world record £80million, leaving the club as a legend and earning them a £68million profit.
