Manchester: Manchester City's new recruit Patrick Vieira has taken a convenient dig at cross-town rivals Manchester United, claiming they are no longer the dominant force they once were.
The Frenchman pinpoints the strengthening of United rivals as the primary reason for the its loosened grip of its league dominance.
"They don't dominate the Premier League as much as they used to because now you have Chelsea, Liverpool, as well as Arsenal, plus City and Aston Villa."
"There are so many teams now who can finish in the top four and that has made it really difficult for United to dominate."
"They don't look as strong as they used to. I watched their game last week [the 1-0 defeat by Leeds United in the FA Cup third round]. I don't know why it is but just look at their results."
"United always used to be top and so many points clear. That is no longer the case."
Vieira reminded the press of his final appearance for Arsenal of which his last meaningful contribution for the Gunners resulted in a penalty against the old foe.
He added: "I remember my last kick for Arsenal was the winning penalty against United in the [2005] FA Cup final," he said.
"That is a good memory and maybe a good omen. But this is a different United now. It is not the same United."
Goal.com
First Published: Saturday, January 09, 2010, 16:09