Top five footballers to play for both Manchester United and Manchester City

This is one of the most heated derbies in England

Football clubs from the same city have traditionally been the bitterest of rivals and Manchester City and Manchester United are no different. There was never any love lost between the two clubs, but their rivalry seems to have multiplied in recent years. Manchester United were the more dominant force for years, but all that has changed now. Following City’s takeover and the success that followed, the Blue side of Manchester have been able to compete on an equal footing with their Red rivals, both on and off the pitch.

Despite the ferocious animosity between the two clubs, there have been a few players who have represented both of them. Here is a look at the top five players to played for both Manchester City and Manchester United.

5. Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez had a successful run with both City and United and is the only player in this list to have won the Premier League with both clubs. After his success with West Ham United, a tedious transfer saga saw Tevez join Manchester United in 2007 in a two-year loan deal. The Argentine went on to win two Premier Leagues and a Champions League in that period. Tevez joined rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2009. The forward was a key part of Manchester City’s renaissance as he helped a revamped City team win the FA Cup and the Premier League, also winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010-11.

4. Brian Kidd

Brian Kidd came through the ranks at Manchester United and made his senior debut in 1966. He scored a goal in the final of the European Cup which United won 4-1. The forward made 203 league appearances and scored 52 goals for the Red Devils before moving to Arsenal in 1974, following United’s relegation from the top flight. His stay at Arsenal didn’t last long as he was back in Manchester in 1976 - but this time, for the blue side. Kidd spent three years at Manchester City, scoring 44 goals in 98 league appearances.

3. Andy Cole

Andy Cole joined Manchester United from Newcastle United in the summer of 1995 for what was the-then British record transfer. The striker was hugely successful for the Red Devils, winning multiple Premier Leagues and also the treble in 1998-99. Cole made 195 league appearances for United and scored 93 goals. He left United in 2001 and played for a couple of clubs before joining Manchester City in 2005. The forward spent only one season with City and ended up being their top scorer for the season.

Also Read: Manchester United vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head record

2. Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League era. The Danish stopper spent the majority of his career with Manchester United, joining the Red Devils in 1991.  He went on to become the captain and won many trophies, including the treble in 1998/99. Schmeichel’s last match as a Manchester United player came in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, which United won 2-1. The goalkeeper joined Manchester City in 2002 and made 29 league appearances for them. He spent only one season with them, ending his professional career after that season.  

1. Denis Law

Denis Law joined Manchester City in 1960 in a then-record transfer fee. The Scotsman spent only one season with City before moving to Torino. He then joined Manchester United in 1962 for yet another record transfer fee. The forward had a very successful stint with the Red Devils as he won two Division One titles and also the European Cup in 1968. Denis Law also became the only Scotsman to win the Ballon D’Or during his time at Manchester United. Law is United’s third highest goal scorer in history. The forward rejoined Manchester City in 1973 and scored a famous backheel against Manchester United that led to the Red Devils’ relegation that season.