Bullish Pellegrini labels City the only club in Manchester

A week that will offer the truest measure of Manchester City’s progress so far began with manager Manuel Pellegrini presenting the bullish assessment that his team are the only team in Manchester.

Five years and five months after the Abu Dhabi United Group takeover, City still measure themselves against their old rivals from across town, who are currently seventh in the Premier League.

But, as they prepare to face Barcelona in their first-ever match in the Champions League knockout phase tonight, they are now focused on a lot more than enjoying a slither of pleasure at United’s failings.