Solskjaer talks up United supremacy

Former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester City will never reach the heights of the Old Trafford club.

United and City meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for the first time since City claimed the English Premier League title last season.

City were dubbed the ‘noisy neighbours’ by United manager Alex Ferguson, a reference to their heavy investment and subsequent success, but Solskjaer, who is no stranger to the rivalry between the teams, compared the competitiveness to that of two siblings.

“There’s always the big brother aspect, when the little brother tries to overtake the big brother, it always happens in families, in clubs where a young player wants to overtake the old player’s position,” Solskjaer said.

“City are hoping to overtake United but I don’t think they’ll ever be able to.”

City took the advantage in the title race when the teams met last season and Solskjaer believes his old side will be looking to make amends.

Roberto Mancini’s men go into the match three points behind United, knowing a defeat would see that gap double.

“Over the club’s history we’ve had disappointments and it’s always stood up again and bounced back because that’s just in the DNA,” Solskjaer said.

“I think Man United will relish those games, going there knowing it’s not a decider.”