Manchester United and Manchester City have had some iconic battles in the transfer window

With Manchester United narrowing the gap on Manchester City in recent months, United may once more be able to compete with their local rivals for elite talent.

More than a decade of underachievement and multiple seasons without Champions League football has somewhat restricted United’s options in the transfer market in recent years.

This has only enabled ‘noisy neighbours’ City to establish themselves as the more appealing Manchester destination for rising stars, as they maintained their dominance over English football. However, considering United’s stature and with the resolution of City’s 115 alleged charges still pending, the momentum may now be shifting, particularly given Michael Carrick’s remarkable start as interim manager.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Both clubs are expected to compete for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson at the end of this season. The 23-year-old, valued at around £75million, wishes to have his future resolved before the World Cup kicks off this summer, aware that Forest face potential relegation and that a number of elite clubs are pursuing his services.

United securing Champions League qualification would significantly improve their prospects of signing the England star, although Anderson is yet to decide which club he prefers. The Manchester Evening News now takes a look at the players City and United have competed to sign in recent years and who has come out on top in each instance.

Alexis Sanchez (2018)

Both City and United were keen to sign a frustrated Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January 2018. Pep Guardiola sought to recruit the former Barcelona winger but City later said they were unable to match the financial terms presented by their local rivals, ultimately withdrawing from the pursuit.

Sanchez moved to United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan head in the opposite direction. Yet the Chilean’s spell at Old Trafford proved largely unsuccessful, managing just five goals in 45 outings before departing for Inter Milan.

Fred (2018)

In the summer of 2018, Brazilian midfielder Fred turned down City and sealed a £47m switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to United. He later disclosed that the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho proved decisive, having received a personal phone call from the iconic Portuguese boss which persuaded him to pledge his future to the club.

Harry Maguire (2019)

In another setback for City, who had secured back-to-back league titles by the summer of 2019, United pipped them to the signing of Harry Maguire. The Leicester City centre-back’s £80m transfer was and remains the world record fee paid for a defender.

Guardiola admitted City could not splurge such a sum on Maguire, saying: “He’s an excellent, top-class player. We were interested but could not afford it.”

Maguire has endured a difficult seven years at United, having had his performances regularly scrutinised and been stripped of the captaincy. Yet, the Englishman has proven more valuable in recent seasons, despite £80m still being considered a poor use of resources.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2021)

United once again got one over their rivals on transfer deadline day of the 2021 summer window. Reports had indicated Cristiano Ronaldo was close to a switch from Juventus to the Etihad Stadium before executing a dramatic U-turn to rejoin his beloved United after the club submitted an offer.

Ronaldo claimed he followed his heart, with reports saying Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand directly phoned him to persuade him to join United. However, it emerged that City’s interest was only mild, with some reports claiming Guardiola was not interested in the ageing star after Ronaldo was offered to the club by his agent.

Despite a strong first season, the Portuguese legend’s second spell in Manchester ended acrimoniously following a breakdown in relations with Erik ten Hag and club chiefs, suggesting City dodged a bullet.

Jack Grealish (2021)

United were also interested in buying Jack Grealish in 2021 before ultimately signing Jadon Sancho. Grealish was among the Premier League’s most sought-after players at that point and attracted significant attention from several English clubs.

Following a drawn-out transfer saga, City eventually signed the Aston Villa captain that summer for a then-British record fee of £100m. United’s own signings disappointed that season, while Grealish found it difficult to adjust to Guardiola’s requirements in his debut campaign.

He did contribute to City winning an elusive Champions League trophy and the Treble, however, but is currently on loan at Everton.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Akwa United FC head coach Paul Offor has sent a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters following their 2-0 victory over First Bank FC in the NNL Week 12 fixture.

Akwa United secured the important win on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium to extend their lead at the top of the NNL Conference B table. The Promise Keepers also completed a season double over First Bank after their earlier 3-1 win in Lagos.

After a goalless first half, Paulinus Okon broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a diving header from a cross by Yannick Menegbe. Paulinus Okon added the second goal in the 75th minute to seal the club’s eighth win of the season and move them four points clear at the top of the table.

Speaking after the match, Coach Offor praised the fans for their strong backing. He said:

“We love them. We put in our best to perform well for them, that’s why we are here. We encourage them to always come out to push us so we can achieve this target together.”

On Monday, March 2, 2026, the UEFA B Licence holder took to his social media page to further appreciate the supporters. He wrote:

“To our valued fans, your presence elevates ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. We appreciate your unwavering support and look forward to sharing the finale with you. Akwa United Football Club, Uyo.”

Akwa United will next travel to face Osun United on Matchday 13 as they continue their push for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in her career. The victory also marked her first championship win in more than a decade.

Lee made The Man tap out twice during the match. At first, referee Jessika Carr was knocked out and couldn’t make the call. The opening allowed Lynch to bring a steel chair into the ring. She tried to use it to turn the match in her favor, but it was not enough to put The Geek Goddess away. Lee made Lynch tap out with a Black Widow to win the title.

Now, the 38-year-old is heading to WrestleMania 42 as champion with all the momentum on her side. In this article, we will look at three potential challengers for Lee.

#3. Lee could face Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella could be the first challenger for the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion. There is a long and storied history between the duo, and they seemingly still have unfinished business.

Lee and Bella’s history alone makes the idea of a match interesting. WWE would not need to build the rivalry from scratch. The tension is already there, and fans remember what they have put each other through. Although they have faced off before, revisiting their past could add real emotion to the feud.

It will be interesting to see how Bella fares against someone she faced during her first run with WWE. Battling a familiar opponent would show just how much she has evolved.

#2. Roxanne Perez could be a great opponent

Roxanne Perez has often been compared to AJ Lee ever since she made her debut. The 24-year-old has called Lee her dream opponent and has a great relationship with CM Punk. The Straight Edge Superstar was Perez’s mentor during the early stages of her WWE career.

The company has a chance to touch upon the real-life connection between AJ Lee and Perez by booking them in a match at WrestleMania 42. This could be a passing of the torch moment and provide The Prodigy with the exposure she’s been seeking since joining WWE.

#1. Bayley is AJ Lee’s dream opponent

AJ Lee named Bayley as her dream opponent in a recent interview. She said it would be fun to see how a match between them would play out at this stage of their careers.

The former Damage CTRL leader is friends with Lee in real life, which could help the duo bring out their best. Although both stars are currently babyfaces, WWE could book one of them to turn heel for a storyline.

If they face off in April, the duo could come up with a compelling storyline in the coming weeks on RAW. It will be interesting to see if the company can capitalize on the potential of this dream match.