As someone born and raised in the city, Butt is acutely aware of the rivalry that has always existed between red and blue. A United fan as a boy, the 35-year-old boasts six Premier League titles and a European Cup triumph as the legacy of his own 12-year stint at Old Trafford. During that time, City won nothing, which is exactly as it has been since 1976. But times are changing. Roberto Mancini might have been under fire for failing to get the most from his expensively-assembled squad, yet after Sunday's 4-1 win at Fulham, City are only three points adrift of league leaders Chelsea. With a huge amount of cash at his disposal, there is a feeling that if Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal continue to struggle for consistency, City could take advantage and sweep to the top themselves. It is a thought that makes Butt shudder. "I don't want City to win the title. I can't even think about them winning anything," he said, ahead of his proposed move to play for South China in Hong Kong. "I am a United fan and I played for them. Ask any fan, from either club, whether they want the other team to win it. I am no different." Yet Butt is aware Sheikh Mansour's vast resources mean it is only a matter of time before City break that trophy drought. What he consoles himself with is the knowledge that lasting success, such as that United have enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson for the past two decades, may prove to be somewhat more elusive. "Let's face it, they could buy any player they want," he said. "But you can't expect change just like that. It takes time. You have to do it from the bottom and the mentality needs to change. "You have to bring players through who love the club and are prepared to die for it on the pitch. "You have seen that at United for years. That is what City have to build. "You might be able to go and buy a little bit of success but you can't do it over a 20-year period."
