More than 20 players have represented both the red and blue side of Manchester, including some all-time greats

Manchester United and Manchester City have had their fair share of superstars throughout the years, but few players got to wear both the red as well as the blue jersey.

One player who seemed to be on the verge of doing just that was Cristiano Ronaldo when he appeared to be close to joining Manchester City after opting to leave Juventus, only for the Portugal legend to remember just in time that United was actually the club of his heart.

There have been others who did not worry about crossing the city divide, though, and plied their trade at both United and City.

But who were those rebels who cared little about club loyalty and potentially upsetting thousands of fans,?

Let'stake a look at the list of stars who have been part of both clubs!

Getty ImagesAndy Cole

After graduating from Arsenal's academy and making one senior appearance for the Gunners, Andy Cole made moves to Bristol City and Newcastle United before Manchester United came calling in 1995.

At United, Cole made history as he scored 93 goals in 195 appearances between 1995 and 2001, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League.

The fourth-highest goal scorer in Premier League history with 187 goals, Cole left United to move to Blackburn in 2001 before joining Fulham in 2004 and Manchester City a year later.

The English striker scored nine goals in 22 appearances for City in his solitary 2005-06 season at the club.

AdvertisementGoogleJohn Gidman

Aston Villa legend John Gidman moved to Manchester United in the summer of 1981, becoming then new manager Ron Atkinson's first signing at the club.

After making 120 appearances for United and winning the FA Cup, Gidman moved to City in 1986, where he spent two seasons.

Gidman got relegated with City during his two seasons at the club.

Getty ImagesBrian Kidd

Most recently, you might have seen him play the role of Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at City, but Brian Kidd is way more than just that.

A 1967-68 European Cup winner with Manchester United, Kidd featured for the Red Devils between 1967 and 1974 before moving to Arsenal after United's relegation and then went on to join Manchester City in 1976.

The striker scored 52 goals for United in 203 appearances, 30 goals in 77 appearances for Arsenal and 44 goals in 98 appearances for City.

Kidd scored three times for City against United.

Getty ImagesDenis Law

Part of Manchester United's famous 'holy trinity' alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, Law first featured for Manchester City after joining from Huddersfield Town in 1960, before moving to Torino in Italy one season later.

In 1962, Manchester United signed Law for a then British record fee and the forward went on to become one of the greatest players the club has ever seen.

The 1964 Ballon d'Or winner made 404 appearances for United, scoring 237 goals and is till date the third highest goalscorer in the club's rich history, behind Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney.

Nicknamed "The King", Law is the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d'Or.

In 1973, Law returned to Manchester City and retired a season later.