Manchester City's rivalry with Manchester United is one of the most well-known and historic feuds in English football.
In the Premier League era, City have faced off against the Red Devils on 54 occasions, winning 20, drawing nine and losing 25.
In fact, the Blues have only come up against Chelsea and Arsenal (55) on more top-flight occasions than their Manchester rivals.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola's side beat United twice in the league as they became the first side to lift four consecutive league trophies, although they did lose the FA Cup final to Erik ten Hag's side.
Now a few months into the 2024/25 season, it has been claimed that the Red Devils have knocked on City's door and asked them for a favour involving two of their key players.
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It said: "Manchester United asked rivals City if Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could cadge a lift with their party of eight nominees to the Ballon d'Or - only to be told the flight was full.
"Mail Sport understands that the Premier League champions have chartered a private jet to ferry their sizable delegation to Paris for the Monday night awards ceremony.
"And in a move which may well raise eyebrows, it can be revealed that United asked their neighbours if they had any room for their two hopefuls.
"Sadly for the Old Trafford club they were informed that there was no room on the flight and alternate arrangements had to be arranged.
"United are in the midst of a series of cost-saving measures following the arrival at the club of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group earlier this year."
Which City players are nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or? As mentioned in this report, City have numerous players nominated for awards in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Specifically, City have 11 representatives in total up for accolades, four being for the Ballon d'Or award.
Those four figures from City's senior squad include Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri - who said this about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or back in September.
He said: "Yes, of course, it would be a dream for me.
"People say I'm going to fight with Vinicius [Junior], who is someone I admire. I think he is a great player. Just being in the conversation makes me very proud of the work I've put in.
"But imagine for me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, you're going to win the Ballon d'Or, you deserve it. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this."
In terms of United's request to see their Manchester rivals allow two players who helped stop City from winning the FA Cup last season to go with them to Paris for the Ballon d'Or ceremony, this is nothing short of cheeky.
Given the significance of United from a financial standpoint, asking their closest rivals to take two players on their plane as a cost-cutting practice paints the club as being very small.
From the fans' point of view, it's safe to assume that the City supporters will be delighted to hear that their club rejected this request.
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