'Man City showing up Utd in transfer market' - Red Devils will have to 'buy again and again', says Dunne

Manchester City are benefitting from being run by “footballing people”, says Richard Dunne, with the Blues prospering in the transfer market while Manchester United face having to “buy again and again”.

Pep Guardiola has been handed considerable funds in which to strengthen the side he inherited at the Etihad Stadium, with Financial Fair Play questions now hanging over the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues have invested well, though, with players brought in that fit both a ball-playing philosophy and a long-term blueprint for success.

In contrast, arch-rivals at Old Trafford have struggled to find value in an inflated market and are still searching for missing pieces as Jose Mourinho attempts to rebuild a club which continues to see its recruitment policy and leadership criticised.

Former City skipper Dunne told 888sport of the differences between two old adversaries: “When you look at how Manchester City are run all of the decisions, all the way up, are made by footballing people; people who understand the game and have been involved in football for a long time and know all about the coaches needs and the player’s needs.

“Whereas at United it is businessmen all the way up who are qualified in other areas but with no understanding of actual football.

“This is why they fail in terms of transfer negotiations and the structure of the club.

“They don’t understand that it’s not just about the first team and the here and now. It’s about planning for the future and for all the money Manchester United have spent you don’t look at them and think ‘well in five years’ time they’ll be great because they have all these young players’.

“They are going to have to buy again and again and again.”

While City are considered to be showing United how to conduct their business off the field, their next challenge on it is to prove that they remain the most dominant force in Manchester.

Guardiola’s side swept to a record-breaking Premier League title success last season and have edged clear of their rivals since Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement back in 2013.

United did, however, claim an impressive derby victory on their last visit to the Etihad and will be looking to repeat those heroics when they return to Eastlands on Sunday.