Manchester United have been shown up by Man City and Ilkay Gundogan over their David de Gea handling

Manchester City have blown Manchester United away in every aspect over the last decade and this week has provided yet another example.

On Monday, City announced their captain and club legend Ilkay Gundogan would be leaving the club. His contract was expiring and an agreement over an extension couldn't be reached. The Blues initially didn't want to give a 32-year-old the length of deal he desired and though they eventually changed their minds, it was by then too late. Barcelona had come calling with a great offer so the German, weeks after leading his side to a historic treble, was off.

The decision clearly didn't come as a shock and was likely decided weeks in advance. City had statements, heaps of praise and tribute content all ready to go when the departure was officially announced and a player who will go into the history books as one of the club's most important was given the send-off he richly deserved.

Compare that to the absolute mess David de Gea's predicament at United has descended into. United still have the option to extend his contract by a year but opted not to do so alongside the other players in the same situation earlier this year as they hoped to negotiate a new long-term deal to reduce the wages of the club's best-paid player.

ALSO READ: United yet to make final decision on De Gea's future

Everything appeared cordial. De Gea had repeatedly stated Manchester was his home and he couldn't see himself playing for anyone else. An agreement looked nailed on. Even when the Spaniard made several costly and high-profile errors towards the end of the season it looked likely he would remain at Old Trafford.

But as the days ticked on and no extension was announced that began to change. Erik ten Hag himself