Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, FIFA Club World Cup, Football
Manchester United have been named world champions more times than Manchester City despite winning the same amount of FIFA Club World Cup trophies.
On Friday evening, Pep Guardiola’s City side were crowned champions of the world after they got the better of Brazilian side Fluminense in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and an own goal from Nino sealed a 4-0 victory for the Manchester club.
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However, despite winning the same amount of FIFA Club World Cup trophies as arch-rivals United, who won it in 2008, the Red Devils have been named world champions on two occasions.
United qualified for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the Champions League via a tense penalty shootout against fellow Premier League side Chelsea in Moscow, Russia.
This is due to the fact that FIFA recognised United’s triumph in the 1999 Intercontinental Cup as being club world champions.
The decision came back in 2017 when FIFA announced they now recognise Intercontinental Cup winners as world champions.
The Intercontinental Cup was staged between 1960 and 2004 before being revamped as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Back then, the cup was usually played between the winners of the European Cup and South America's Copa Libertadores.
Speaking after City’s triumph in the tournament, Foden said: “ It was an unbelievable match. We showed not only quality, but heart and determination.
“We're not used to the heat so it was difficult. I'm delighted with the outcome. I'm over the moon. This is so important for us. It’s the first time we’ve won it. I'm delighted. It is massive for the club.”
He added: “Fair play to them, the way they play, I love the way they play with short passes.
“They’re a great side. they didn't make it easy today for us.”
