RUTHLESS ANDY COLE helped ruin old club Manchester United’s title dreams on his return to Old Trafford as a City player.
But the former goal machine is backing the Reds to be the ones celebrating later.
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Cole achieved legendary status as part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning United team in 1999.
His 121 goals in 275 appearances for the Red Devils still has supporters regularly singing his name – though the song has been adapted to Benjamin Sesko of late.
Though 22 years ago he risked destroying that legacy when crossing the divide following stints at Blackburn and Fulham to sign for City.
Despite it being pre-Qatari takeover times, he and the noisy neighbours still proved to be a nuisance for Fergie’s boys.
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Cole helped City take four points off their rivals that season – results that proved crucial as United failed to wrestle the title back from Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Even though his prime years were spent there, Cole showed no mercy as he returned to the Theatre of Dreams wearing sky blue. After playing his part in Joey Barton’s late equaliser, only a stunning late Edwin van der Sar save stopped him from sealing City a famous 2-1 win.
Recalling his feelings about stepping out on his old stomping ground in the colours of United’s fierce foes, Cole exclusively told Sun Sport via Unibet Casino: “I’ve been asked this so many times.
“I look at it this way. Ultimately, if you’re moving job, or moving between anything, I don’t know, from Microsoft to Apple, it’s the same thing, isn’t it?
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“You’re still doing your job to the best of your ability. I know people look into it really deeply.
“Obviously, I played for Man United. When I joined Man City, I was just going to play for Man City. Nothing more. I played for Blackburn, then I played for Burnley. I played for Sunderland and I played for Newcastle. It’s no different than moving from Microsoft to Apple.
“It’s simple. I’d like to believe throughout my career I’m very professional. That’s why I’ve ended up with the respect I get from the Manchester United fans or Manchester City fans or Blackburn and Newcastle fans, whatever it is. You’ve just got to be professional in what you do.
“If you’re a professional, then you’re a professional, wherever you are. Being professional, you’ve just got to do to the best of your ability.”
Cole was a thorn in Fergie’s side once again the following January when helping City take derby bragging rights with a 3-1 win in the return fixture at the Etihad.
The result was a bitter blow to United’s title aspirations, eventually finishing eight points behind Chelsea.
And even though United still remain deep in his heart, the 54-year-old still has no regrets.
He said: “It was going up against former team-mates who I spent a lot of time with, who I played with for many years.
“I want to try and win any game against whatever team it was. Maybe that’s just me.
“So when I moved to Manchester City. It was my job to score goals for Manchester City. When you move job you still try to get the best out of yourself. That’s what I did.
“I’ve always been that kind of individual. I give everything I’ve got. So even though it felt a little bit different, a little bit strange, I’ve got to be professional in my job.
“No one really even talks about me going to Manchester City or anything like that. And because of what I am as a person, as a human being, I’ll go anywhere and give 100 per cent. It’s that simple.”
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These days Erling Haaland is the undoubted goal king of Manchester. He has eight derby goals and found the target five times already this term.
But even with Enzo Maresca possessing the best striker on the planet, Cole is not betting against Michael Carrick’s men coming out on top this weekend.
He added: “The crazy thing is this is only going to be the fourth Premier League game of the season, and you’re playing your arch-rivals straight away.
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“When Man United are the home team, you’ve always got to go for Man United, but it’s a derby game.
“When I look at derby games, no one’s ever a clear favourite. The bookmakers will have a favourite, but we’re going into a derby, so anything can happen.”