Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City battles for possession with Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the 2024 FA Community Shield
Nico O'Reilly was wanted by Manchester United as a young academy player but opted to join Manchester City
In an era of global superstars, far-reaching scouting networks and significant finances, Premier League football can seem a long way from the fans.
In days gone by the teams might have been packed with local players who often socialised with supporters. But the introduction of the Premier League and the stratospheric rise of football since mean those on the pitch often come from all corners of the globe.
But at Manchester United and Manchester City, local pride lives on. The Reds have a long tradition of selecting at least one academy graduate in a matchday squad while City have the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis as local boys done good.
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And at the Etihad there is a significant amount of talent coming through the ranks behind those two. Nico O'Reilly is heading the queue having broken into the senior set up this season following an impressive pre-season showing in America.
The midfielder is only 19 but is highly-rated. Yet it could have been a different story for the north Manchester teen, who had a clutch of clubs seeking his services as a child, including United.
“The first team that scouted me was actually United and then City came in for me as well as Liverpool and Everton," said O'Reilly, speaking on the latest edition of the official Man City podcast.
“Before you sign a contract you train with all the teams so I was doing that for a bit. I had a choice when I was Under-8s and Under-9s out of City and United. I chose City because the training was a lot better.”
A decade on and O'Reilly is reaping the reward having come through the academy during the most successful era in the club's history, having the chance to learn from one of the best manager's ever and a clutch of world class players.
His rise culminated in a debut in the Community Shield against this weekend's opponents, giving him an early taste of the derby day feel should he be called upon on Sunday.
“Before it I was excited but then we were walking out I got a little nervous,” he said. “The stadium is massive and it was in a derby as well. I got my first few touches out the way and settled down.
“I watched the game back and knew I could have done some things better but as a whole I was proud of it."
For City, there is a pride in seeing another local lad make the leap into the first team. On derby day weekend, they will be hoping United suffer a blue day.