Former Man United chief executive David Gill has insisted that rivals Man City will never match the global appeal of the Red Devils.
Gill left the club in 2013, but believes that the 20-time English champions have developed such a strong global brand that ensures they lead many other clubs around Europe in various aspects.
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“I’m not being arrogant, but Manchester City will never be as big as Manchester United in Asia and certain markets,” he said at an event to celebrate 500 years of Manchester Grammar School, according to Sky Sports.
“Look at Liverpool, the club haven’t won the league for so many years but they are very popular in Asia.
“The big teams with history and heritage – Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid – have that.”
However, Gill did have positive words for City too, insisting that the legacy that Sheikh Mansour has built since taking over in 2008 has been “unbelievable”.
He added that the development of the area in and around where the club operates has been impressive, while they have run the club well in order to put themselves in a position to compete with best for many years.
The former United chief believes that it is up to the Red Devils and others in England and around Europe to respond to that and ensure that the distance remains both at home and abroad.
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