http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news ... a_record_/
anyway ... here we go
Manchester City v Manchester United tickets selling for £2,600 a pair
Tickets to the Premier League clash between Manchester rivals City and United are being sold for up to £1,300 each.
Fans want police and clubs to stop touts selling tickets for the potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium.
However, such is the anticipation for the fixture, there appears to be significant money to be made from the game.
City can overtake Sir Alex Ferguson's United in what has been a topsy-turvy title race next Monday with a win.
But Roberto Mancini has played it down as 'just one more game'.
'The derby is always the game of the year,' he said.
'For the supporters, a derby is always a different game to the others.
'It is important for the city. Manchester has two top teams who are in a position to play this important game.
'But for us it will just be one more game, not because we fight for this or for that, and after it there are another two games, very tough games.'
City will go into the match as favourites to claim the win - especially after their remarkable 6-1 triumph at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
But Mancini added: 'The one at Old Trafford was a fantastic derby but it was a game that can happen only once every hundred years.'
Given the price of a ticket to the next one, City fans will be hopeful of a similar result - given they're unlikely to be able to afford another one for about that amount of time.
MCF.NET THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=42559
Man City target will ‘respect’ Napoli contract, claims agent
Manchester City target Edinson Cavani wants to honour his contract at Napoli, according to the striker’s agent.
Cavani has become one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, having bagged 46 league goals since joining Napoli in the summer of 2010.
The Uruguayan further enhanced his reputation by netting three times against City during this season’s Champions League campaign.
Roberto Mancini is now reported to be lining up a big-money bid for the 25-year-old this summer, and Cavani fuelled talk he could be set for a move away from the Stadio San Paolo with comments he made at the weekend.
When quizzed on whether he could quit the Italian side this summer, he said: "I don't know, the club will deal with this sort of thing. I am focused only on playing my football and winning every game. The club will think about the rest and they know what to do."
The player’s agent, Claudio Anellucci, however, insists Cavani, who is contracted to Napoli until 2016, is fully committed to the Serie A club and has moved to quash claims his client will move to Manchester this summer.
Speaking to Italian television channel Canale 34, Anellucci said: "I do not want to answer the question about whether Cavani will stay or go.
"Edinson answered that Saturday and he was very clear, but everyone can interpret what he said the way they want. For every player it is important to have the team's future very clear, but financial matters are also important.
"Napoli have a serious project and any player would like to be part of it. Cavani has a contract and he wants to respect it."
Meanwhile City are rumoured to have sent scouts to Belgium last weekend to watch Anderlecht's 22-year-old defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2012/04/24/ ... ate/61530/
Toure cleared for Manchester derby
Yaya Toure has been cleared to play in Monday's Manchester derby against United, and he warned the Red Devils that the Premier League may already be out of their hands, despite the fact they lead the title race with three games remaining.
Toure watched on as United threw away a 4-2 lead in the final ten minutes of Sunday's game with Everton, drawing 4-4. That results means City can win the title if they triumph in their remaining matches of the campaign.
Crucially the Manchester derby is up next, and if United avoid defeat in that fixture they will be firm favourites to defend their Premier League crown. However, Toure is of the opinion that it is destined for City to lift their first top flight title since 1968.
"This club has wanted the Premier League for a long time," Toure said. "In my opinion we have somebody who is trying to help us win the title this year.
"To see United lead 4-2 and end up 4-4 was incredible. Sunday was an unbelievable day for us. To see United drop points at home is strange, I find it quite surprising. Now we have a second chance.
"We have the team to win all the games. We have the quality and we have the mentality to win all these games. We have to win all three games and then we will see what will happen after."
Toure faced the prospect of missing out on what Sir Alex Ferguson calls "the biggest derby of my reign", after footage was studied of a photo that appeared to suggest he gestured at Wolves fans during Sunday's 2-0 victory. The midfielder has been cleared of any wrongdoing, and he is feeling few nerves ahead of Monday's battle.
"It will be an unbelievable match and I'm very excited," Toure said. "We are at home but if you look at the record of United, they are very strong away and it will be very difficult."
BRYAN ROBSON IN MANCINI TITLE TAUNT Zzzzzzzz Bollox
BRYAN ROBSON has taunted Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini by telling him: It will be a FAILURE if you don’t win the league.
Manchester United legend Robson says Mancini has to deliver the championship this season after spending big to recruit the likes of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri last summer.
Former Old Trafford captain Robson said: “There is more pressure on City to win the league than there is on United.
“With the money they have spent, it will be a failure if they don’t win it.
“It will mean they have not won a trophy this season and that has to go down as a bad season.” City will jump ahead of United on goal difference if they win Monday’s Etihad clash, a match Sir Alex Ferguson hailed as the biggest Manchester derby of all time.
Robson, speaking on behalf of England sponsors Vauxhall at the Commercial Vehicles Show, added: “If United win next week, it will be all over.
“If City win, people will say they will win the title, but they have still to go to Newcastle, who are in great form, and that will be a tough game.
“So even if they get beat, United can still win it.”
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[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Lille star Eden Hazard, watched recently by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has admitted he would listen to any offers from the Red Devils this summer. Metro
Barcelona have ruled out a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in the close season. talkShit
Tottenham and Udinese have both sent scouts to watch Porto's highly rated 16-year-old Sergio Ribeiro.
talkShit
Alberto Aquilani could return to Liverpool after it emerged that AC Milan, for whom he has played on loan this season, are having second thoughts about a permanent deal. The Sun
Liverpool are preparing a summer move for AZ Alkmaar's 24-year-old Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm, after reportedly sending their top scout to watch him in action for the Dutch side. Daily Mirror
The Anfield club's out-of-favour striker Dirk Kuyt, 31, has been given a "now or never" offer by his former side Feyenoord. The Sun
Besiktas and Tottenham are thought to be considering moves for Chelsea's Salomon Kalou. Daily Mail
Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm insists he is happy to stay with the Welsh side despite rumoured interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United. The Sun
The new England manager could be named by the Football Association before the end of the domestic season. Daily Mirror
Great Britain Olympic football coach Stuart Pearce says Jack Wilshere could still feature in London 2012 this summer, despite Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ruling him out of contention because of injury. Metro
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote says the club's recent success has convinced him he does not have to leave Tyneside to achieve his ambitions in the game. Daily Mirror
Oh, and Patrick will be in the Townley to buy anyone a beer on 30th April
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