Sport

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure predicts seismic power shift in English football after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement

By Colin Henrys

Ivorian powerhouse Yaya Toure believes Sir Alex Ferguson’s imminent retirement will see Manchester City replace United as English football’s premier side.

David Moyes will replace his fellow Scot in charge at Old Trafford next season after Ferguson decided to end his 26-year reign in the dugout.

And Toure, who recently signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, is anticipating a difficult Premier League campaign next season.

“United are a great club and Ferguson is a big character at the club,” he told reporters.

“He has built  everything at United and the balance I hope will go to the City side now.

“We will see next year because there will be a lot of rivalry between Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and United.

“Tottenham are also coming through and the Premier League is going to be very, very tough.”

Despite losing their Premier League crown to United, City face Wigan Athletic in tomorrow’s FA Cup final bidding to win the competition for the second time in three years.

Toure starred in 2011, scoring the winning goals against United in the semi-final and Stoke City in the final to give City their first major trophy in 35 years.

The Ivorian was named man of the match in last month’s semi-final win against Chelsea too and having overcome a minor injury hopes to inspire City to another Wembley win.

“We let the Premier League trophy go to United and now we want to win this one,” he said.

“Every year is important for us because we want this to be a big club.

“It is very important to keep winning trophies and that is why I signed a new contract. I want to be part of the history of the club.

“But it is going to be difficult because we can’t think Wigan will let the trophy go just because of the situation they are in now in the Premier League.”

Image courtesy of mcfc, via YouTube, with thanks.

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