Here's a good history of Manchester City
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={CFE9542C-55A3-4F75-A396-D3C46CC44FC3}&pcpageid=14770
and a good history of Manchester United
http://www.manutd.com/history/heritage.sps?itype=489&icustompageid=1041
Although they're in the Premier league now, City have spent much of their existence playing "minor league ball". United's the bigger draw, even now.
For all the soccer haters, NFL Tampa Bay Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer gained majority control of Manchester U last year.