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Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes his old club has to respond to neighbours Manchester City's bid to dominate the Premier League and grow into a force in Europe.

According to Tom Edwards of the Daily Telegraph, Gill believes the advancements City have made, both on and off the pitch, since the investment by Sheikh Mansour in 2008 puts the onus on United to react.

Gill insisted City's ascension into one of the biggest clubs isn't about to stop and that their rivals have to counter: "It’s very exciting for the Premier League. They will, without a doubt, be a long term player and a force to be reckoned with for many years. And I think Manchester United have got to respond to that as well as other clubs."

But for all their progress, Gill stresses the Citizens will always lag behind United in terms of global prestige. Citing the Red Devils' standing in foreign markets, Gill states: "I’m not being arrogant here but it will never be as big as Manchester United in Asia and certain markets."

He goes on to reference how established clubs such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and United's nemesis Liverpool lean on "history and heritage" to build substantial commercial followings in the global marketplace.

But Gill did credit City for doing more than just blow rivals out of the water with endless pots of cash in the transfer market. United's one-time CEO lauded City's work in the community, particularly efforts made to work with the city council and invest in the local area.

Contrary to what many others may choose to believe, Gill believes that if Mansour suddenly opted to walk away from his Premier League investment, he'd be leaving behind a stable club. Gill dubbed the overall development at City "unbelievable."

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His comments will certainly strike a chord with both sets of fans. United supporters won't like City's overnight transformation from weak link to a side that's won two Premier League titles in the last four seasons.

City fans will no doubt resent the implication their club can't claim a significant piece of the global, commercial market.

What is telling about Gill's comments is the assertion United have to respond to the threat to their local and broader dominance. Significantly, he references the challenges posed by Chelsea once Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich assumed control in 2003.

While United were initially knocked out of the title picture for the next three years, the Old Trafford club did rally. It was a rally that yielded five more Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League success.

Keeping pace with City hasn't gone as smoothly, especially since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Two seasons of transition under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal have followed.

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Meanwhile, City snatched a league and League Cup double in 2014 under Manuel Pellegrini. His present squad is currently five points ahead of United in this season's title race.

Gill's words reaffirm City are now a genuine force as a legitimate superclub, at least on English shores. The gauntlet has been laid down for United to try and redress the balance.