Wednesday 16 September 2015 16:23, UK
Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill says local rivals City will never match the global appeal of the 20-time English champions.
Gill, who stood down from his Old Trafford post in 2013, believes City will struggle to develop a brand as strong as United, or that of many other leading clubs in Europe.
Speaking at an event to celebrate 500 years of Manchester Grammar School, Gill said: "I'm not being arrogant, but Manchester City will never be as big as Manchester United in Asia and certain markets.
"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."
But Gill did pay tribute to the Etihad club and how they have grown since they were bought by a Middle East company owned by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.
"If Sheikh Mansour decided he wanted to sell the club tomorrow, what has he left there?" he added. "In terms of the development of that whole area, it is unbelievable and is great testament to what they have done.
The big teams with history and heritage - Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid - have that popularity.
"Clearly, they have raised their game and it is a very well-run club. They will, without a doubt, be a long-term player and a force to be reckoned with for many years.
"And I think Manchester United have got to respond to that, as well as other clubs."
