Manchester United have dealt the first blow in the build-up to Sunday's local
derby with a micky-taking cartoon on their official website.
The cartoon called The Oddkinsons, A United Family hammers City and even
has a pet duck calling their rivals 'crap'.
City boss Kevin Keegan does not escape in an episode which spotlight's a
conversation between the family's son 'Terrance' and his best friend 'Colin'
discussing the forthcoming fixture.
The pair use the phrase 'I'd love it' mimicking Keegan's infamous 1996 Sky
TV outburst a total of 18 times during the three-minute cartoon.
Last night Manchester United's Director of Communications Paddy Harverson
said the episode of the cartoon is not meant to cause offence.
He said: "It's a bit of fun reflecting the rivalry between the fans."
"It is supposed to depict a local family having a bit of football banter and is not
meant to be offensive."
A spokesman for City declined to comment.
But Noel Bayley of the influential City fanzine Bert Trautmann's Helmet said: "I
find it all a bit pitiful and juvenile.
"If something like that was used on our website then I would be very
embarrassed."