Man City Manchester United Better Pellegrini David Moyes Yaya Toure
Manuel Pellegrini and Yaya Toure arrive for a news conference at the Etihad Stadium before Man City's tie with Barcelona Reuters

Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that Manchester City are now the biggest team in Manchester just a day before the Sky Blues face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.

Speaking before the tie, Pellegrini admitted that he could not forget United's Premier League success last season but remained adamant that the tables are turning in the battle for supremacy in the city.

"If we only consider this season, there is just one club in Manchester and it is ours," he said.

"But you cannot forget what United have done in the previous years. We are aiming to keep growing by winning many trophies - not just national but international trophies."

The Chilean manager has taken City to the final of the League Cup, the quarter finals of the FA Cup and third in the Premier League just three points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.

United, on the other hand, lie seventh in the Premier League and have been knocked out of both domestic competitions with pressure piling on new manager David Moyes.

Despite their underperformance this campaign, United remain the most successful football club in British history having amassed 20 league titles.

City play Barcelona at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League second round tie before the reverse leg is played at the Nou Camp next month.

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