Beckham: United will always be the biggest club in Manchester

Beckham acknowledged Roberto Mancini's side have developed rapidly in recent years (GETTY IMAGES)

Former England and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham insists there will only ever be one team in the city he used to call home.

Unsurprisingly, after six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one Champions League triumph during his 10 campaigns at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old still believes United will never be overtaken by City, their big-spending neighbours.

City finished third in the Premier League last season, nine points behind United, to qualify for the Champions League for the first time. But while Beckham acknowledged Roberto Mancini's side have developed rapidly in recent years he cannot see them usurping United.

"They're bringing good players in, they've got strong people with a lot of money behind them, so they're going to improve," Beckham said. "But they'll never be Manchester United. They might be a threat this season but United have got the history, the silverware over the last 20 years.

"There's only one team in Manchester but City I'm sure will be a team to look at going forward."