Fans think City have a bigger pull than Man United with youngster set to join bitter rivals

Fans reckon Manchester City have a bigger pull than Manchester United following reports that young defender Harrison Parker could leave Old Trafford in favour of a move to the Etihad.

Parker, 16, has been on United's books since 2021 when he joined from Arsenal’s youth academy but has since caught the eye of Pep Guardiola.

And a transfer across cities is reportedly imminent with both clubs in the final stages of reaching an agreement, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

"Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement with Manchester United for top talented CB (16) Harrison Parker," tweeted Romano.

"City have beaten four top clubs to the signing — agreement is close despite Man Utd offering highest youth deal to keep Parker."

United had allegedly hoped they would be able to convince the centre-back to stay at Carrington by offering their highest ever youth deal, but the Englishman turned down the offer.

Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to poke fun at United, believing City have a bigger pull than their rivals.

Replying to Romano's tweet, one fan wrote: "No way Manchester City has a bigger pull than United nowadays."

Another added: "We're selling players to city now."

A third said: "Imagine going to your rivals academy. How the mighty have fallen. We own them in every aspect."

A fourth replied: "Rejected highest bid from United to join City. This United fall off."

Another joked: "Lmaooo “despite Man Utd offering highest youth deal” Flopchester United, what a club."

A sixth added: City have the best pull in the world sadly. City’s youth setup is also better then United’s, so I am not surprised, but it does suck as a United fan."

City's ploy for Parker has been called a "revenge" move by the Manchester Evening News for United's plan to sign Darren Fletcher's twin sons, Jack and Tyler, from City before the end of the month.

Meanwhile, academy football coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who has worked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea has referred to Parker as one of the most "gifted centre-backs in the country".

“Harrison came to me as a U12 without and confidence on the ball his dad asked me to supplement the excellent work he got at his club with some world class ball mastery," Isaksson-Hurst told PDA Football after Harrison signed for United.

"He’s now U15s and one of the most technically gifted centre-backs in the country…hard work pays off!”

Topics: Fan Reactions, Manchester City, Manchester United, Pep Guardiola, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno