Exclusive - Yaya Toure claims Manchester City will overtake United following Alex Ferguson's retirement

Manchester City will become the dominant power in English football following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Yaya Toure has claimed.

Ferguson is to step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season, to be replaced by David Moyes.

The 71-year-old will bow out with a 13th Premier League title, having wrestled the crown back from City this season.

But Toure has warned that it could be the end of United’s domestic dominance with their long-serving boss gone.

Asked if there could be a shift in power with Ferguson on his way out, Toure said: “Yes, because Man City have a great project for the future and, after this movement now, I think City will be dominant in the future.

“The most important thing for us is to try to be the top club in Manchester. Before it was United, but now I hope it will be City.”



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Balance may swing Manchester City's way says Yaya Toure

Ferguson exit cited as the key to club regaining title. Kompany warns next term will be harder than ever.

Yaya Toure hopes that Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement from Manchester United will swing the "balance" back to Manchester City. His captain, Vincent Kompany, predicted a very hard title race next season and added that City were "writing their own history".

Both senior figures in the Etihad dressing room paid tribute to the departing Ferguson but are clearly looking forward to next season's pursuit of the Premier League. "United is a great club and Ferguson is a big character at this club,'' said Toure. "He has built everything at United and the balance, I hope, will go to the City side now.

"We will see next year because there will be a lot of rivalry between Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and United [as well as City]. Tottenham is coming through and the Premier League is going to be very, very tough."

Kompany agreed, dismissing criticism of this season's standards having dipped. "Anyone who thinks the Premier League is going backwards is making a huge mistake,'' said the City centre-half. "Next season will be harder than ever. The fact that the English clubs were out so early in the Champions League has rallied everyone to show that we are better than that." He expected plenty of activity in the transfer market. "It will be a good summer for you [media] guys in the sense that a lot of clubs have to become better and a lot of clubs are hoping for a better season," added Kompany, who leads City out in tomorrow's (Saturday's) FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic.

Kompany lifted the Cup in 2011 but City's celebrations were overshadowed by United securing the Premier League. History could be repeating itself. "I have congratulated United for winning the league, credit is due to them,'' said Kompany.

"Sir Alex has done great things for football and for Manchester United - fair play to them but we are writing our own history. We can do that on Saturday again.''

It has been a frustrating season for City, whose defence of their hard-won title was poor, so Kompany and Toure are determined to end the term on a positive note. "Winning this cup would be an incredible achievement after everything that has happened,'' continued Kompany. "You can look back on the season and say this went wrong or that went wrong but in the future people will look back at the trophies you have won. The rest won't matter.'' Toure agreed, saying: "Every year is important because we want this to be a big club. We let the Premier League trophy go to United, but now we want to win this one. For us, this will be a very important trophy.

"It is very important to keep winning trophies and that is why I signed a new contract. I want to be part of the history of the club. We have already won some trophies. I hope there is going to be more, like the Champions League and the Premier League, like the FA Cup.''

Toure expressed how "sad" he was that his brother, Kolo, was leaving City. "In life you cannot be happy all the time and Kolo is a great man, a great personality and my big brother. Kolo was an important factor for me to come [to City]. He has always given me advice and he has told me not to worry, everything will be fine.''

Another City player, striker Edin Dzeko, has suggested he could be playing elsewhere next season.

The Bosnian international, who has scored 14 goals this season, has been the subject of speculation and, when asked if he could leave at the end of the season, he said: "We will see. Everything is open."

The 27 year-old, an unused substitute when City beat Stoke in the 2011 final, accepts he again may not start. He said: "I don't know. I don't think about that, but that's not important. It's important to win it."

Dzeko earned a tag of 'super sub' earlier this season after a spell of scoring goals off the bench. Six of his first seven came as a substitute. He said: "That's my job to score goals, if I come on after 60 minutes or if I start."

When asked if he dreamt of scoring the winner, he said: "I'm not sure about scoring the winner but I am dreaming of playing and winning the title."

Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

The Scot, 71, has won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford and will now become a director and ambassador for the club.

His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

Everton's David Moyes is the bookmakers' favourite to take over, with Jose Mourinho, currently at Real Madrid, also tipped.

BBC sports editor David Bond says United are confident of announcing a successor to Ferguson before the weekend.

He believes they are looking for someone who understands the club's history and is committed to youth development while employing an attractive, attacking style of football.

While United look for his successor, tributes to Ferguson have been led by Prime Minister David Cameron, who tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional."

Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen says the Scot's managerial record will "surely never be eclipsed".
Ferguson believes the squad he leaves behind "bodes well for continued success".
His final game will be against West Brom and will be his 1500th in charge at United.
United co-chairman Joel Glazer says: "His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable."
Chief executive David Gill says: "What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten."

Ferguson, who will undergo hip surgery in the summer, is confident his successor will take over a club in good health after winning their 20th top-flight title 17 days ago.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," he said.

"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."

Ferguson's Man Utd trophies

Premier League: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013.

FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010

Champions League: 1999, 2008

Cup Winners Cup: 1991

Fifa Club World Cup: 2008

Uefa Super Cup: 1992

Inter-Continental Cup: 1999

FA Charity/Community Shield: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential," he added. "My wife, Cathy, has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."

Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.

Co-chairman Joel Glazer highlighted Ferguson's desire to produce winning teams throughout his time at United and called the 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow a "magical night".

He said: "Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is, but he's also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.

"I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow."

Fellow co-chairman Avie Glazer expressed how important the United board felt it was to ensure Ferguson continued working for the club despite his decision to step down as manager.

"I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the club as a director," he said. "His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future."

Gill, who is also stepping down this summer after 16 years at United, revealed Ferguson had been planning to make his succession easier by putting in place a young squad and a state-of-the-art training facility at Carrington.

He said: "I've had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years - through the treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

"We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first-class condition.

"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams - both on and off the pitch - that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

"The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

"What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend."

Ferguson began his playing career at Queen's Park as a 16-year-old striker whilst working as an apprentice tool-worker at Clyde Shipyards.

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David Moyes had planned to stay at Everton before Man Utd move

David Moyes says he was planning to stay at Everton next season but could not turn down the chance of becoming Manchester United manager.

Moyes, 50, whose Everton contract expires this summer, agreed a six-year deal to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Scot was set to extend his 11-year stint at Goodison Park before United made their move.

Asked whether he had considered turning down United's approach, Moyes said: "I have to be honest and say no."

He added: "I wasn't planning on leaving. My contract was running out but we were planning for pre-season. All we've ever done is keep planning.

"I've got everything ready for next season and the chairman and everyone knows the route we need to take next season. This is a club competing to be in Europe."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon played down speculation linking him with a move to Goodison Park, while Michael Laudrup, another potential target, wants to remain at Swansea.

Moyes, who did not answer direct questions about United, admits he would understand any negativity from Everton fans when he takes charge of his final home game against West Ham at Goodison Park on Sunday.

But he maintains he will be approaching the game like any other in his spell on Merseyside.

He said: "I hope they react the way [they did when] I first stepped in the door. If they don't, I can understand because I'm a fan myself.

"They support their team but I'll stand in the same position and keep everything focused. The big thing is that we finish the season with as many points as we can and there's still an outside chance of Europe."

Premier League champions Manchester United moved for Moyes after Ferguson, who will stand down after more than 26 years in charge at the end of the season, recommended his fellow Scot as his successor.

Moyes says he will happily do the same for Everton and has already discussed the matter with chairman Bill Kenwright.

He said: "I've spoken to the chairman. He asked me and I'll help as much as I possibly can.

"It has been very difficult. I have great respect for the chairman and have a great relationship with him. He is a really good guy. We had a difficult meeting on Wednesday but he totally understood.

"Walter Smith [Moyes' predecessor] recommended me for the job and if there's anything I can do to help Bill Kenwright and Everton then that's what I'll do."

Everton have only finished outside the top half of the table in two of Moyes' 10 full seasons in charge and are sixth in the table with two games of the current campaign remaining.

He said he was proud of the progress the club had made over the past decade.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving such a great club. The club has been such a great part of my life," he added.