Manchester City faces off against a Manchester United side seeking inspiration from their neighbors as they strategize for enhancements at Old Trafford. Manchester City aims to assert their dominance with the scoreline on Sunday.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed admiration for Manchester City, aiming to propel Manchester United to match their prowess. The recent co-ownership at Old Trafford has made significant strides, notably by recruiting Omar Berrada as their new CEO. Additionally, former City academy manager Jason Wilcox might join them in a recruitment role from Southampton. These maneuvers prompt City to reassess United as a formidable competitor, contrasting with a previous era where executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward once prioritized commercial success over trophies.
Gone is the complacency at City, driving them far ahead of United in all areas. While United may hope for a Sunday upset, there’s no reality where Ratcliffe and others see them as close to City.
Last season, The Blues outpaced United by £90m in broadcasting revenue, largely due to their Treble repeat, and are enhancing their knack for turning viewership into revenue in various currencies. What’s more noteworthy is their £40m edge in commercial revenue.
City’s financial partnerships from over a decade ago face scrutiny from the Premier League, with a forthcoming panel set to assess their accountability. However, the world continues to move forward while awaiting those outcomes. In the interim, The Blues have advanced, securing more lucrative partnerships with companies eager to align their brand with success and adorned with prestigious trophies.
In the long term, an expansion plan is underway for the Etihad Stadium, which will transform it into more than just a sports venue, but also a tourist destination featuring a hotel and entertainment complex. However, even without these grand developments, the club has made significant strides in strengthening its relationships with both supporters and sponsors. Changes made last season, such as faster drink service in the south stand and the inclusion of a DJ booth in the matchday build-up, demonstrate the club’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience.
Moreover, advertising projected onto the steps of the bottom tier of the East Stand and the introduction of a two-tier LED display system in partnership with Unilumin have boosted City’s pitchside media space, making it the most commercially valuable in the league. While these may seem like minor adjustments, they reflect the depth of effort City has invested in elevating their stature. Just as they have built a formidable winning team on the field, they have been equally active and innovative off the field to support their success.
City aims to assert their dominance with the scoreline on Sunday, but simply by being present at the stadium, they can ensure United receives another valuable lesson, witnessing the array of activities and developments taking place.
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