When Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group bought Manchester City back in 2008, it was hard to see them toppling their noisy neighbours.
Manchester United had won their second Premier League title in a row under Sir Alex Ferguson and, though they didn't know it, were on their way to to a third.
The Red Devils had also been crowned Champions League winners mere months previously, too, beating Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shootout in Moscow.
Chelsea had tried to topple United after their own takeover, while Arsenal and Liverpool were losing pace with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Man Utd and Man City will meet in the final of the FA Cup today
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City signalled their ambition by signing Robinho from Real Madrid.
Yet United were lightyears ahead, superior on and off the pitch in every department.
Fast-forward to now, however, and everything has changed.
Ever since Ferguson walked off into the sunset in 2013, United's empire has fallen. It is City who are now the team to beat, a force of nature with no sign of slowing down.
Pep Guardiola's side beat United in the FA Cup final 12 months ago, with Ilkay Gundogan's brace setting them on their way to a terrific treble triumph.
And victory at Wembley today will see them win a double, even after a season where they've not swashbuckled and scintilated like in years gone by.
United are a shadow of what they once were. Big changes are required at Old Trafford after a chastening campaign that will apparently end in Erik ten Hag's dismissal.
But United legend Lee Sharpe, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill, believes the red side of Manchester will always be bigger and better - no matter what.
"Manchester United have never won four titles in a row, but the size of the club, the scale of the club and the worldwide appeal, Manchester City will never reach the heights of Manchester United," he said prior to today's clash.
"I believe Manchester United will always be the bigger club and have a bigger supporter base and there is no getting away from that."
When Sharpe was playing for United, they were just getting started under Ferguson.
He won three league titles while strutting his stuff under Ferguson - but the Scot would go on to add 10 more to his name before quitting 11 years ago.
United are a shadow of what they once were. Big changes are required at Old Trafford after a chastening campaign that will apparently end in Erik ten Hag's dismissal.
But United legend Lee Sharpe, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill, believes the red side of Manchester will always be bigger and better - no matter what.
"Manchester United have never won four titles in a row, but the size of the club, the scale of the club and the worldwide appeal, Manchester City will never reach the heights of Manchester United," he said prior to today's clash.
"I believe Manchester United will always be the bigger club and have a bigger supporter base and there is no getting away from that."
When Sharpe was playing for United, they were just getting started under Ferguson.
He won three league titles while strutting his stuff under Ferguson - but the Scot would go on to add 10 more to his name before quitting 11 years ago.
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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep his job ahead of today's FA Cup final
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Ten Hag did well last season, with United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup.
They have fallen well short of expectations this term, however, with City's dominance adding yet more salt into their wounds.
In the eyes of Sharpe, INEOS - who now call the shots at Old Trafford - have already made up their mind.
"I think after the season Manchester United have had there is no surprise about the uncertainty," he added.
"It's been a difficult season for Manchester United and I Believe INEOS have already made up their mind on the future of the Manager United.
"We have only got a few days until we all find out."
Man City can prove they're dominant by beating Man Utd in today's FA Cup final at Wembley
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Never before have City been such favourites to win a derby.
Never before have United been considered such dark horses to add a trophy to their unparallelled connection.
And yet, the FA Cup is where miracles happen. Ten Hag, if he pulls one off, might just live to fight another day.