The Abu Dhabi United Group mean business at Eastlands, and seem determined that nothing will stop them from making Manchester City into one of Europe’s leading teams. That was not really in evidence at St James’ Park on Monday night, when the visitors struggled to break down an ordinary ten-man Newcastle side after leading the game 1-0.
This performance has put a little pressure on manager Mark Hughes to start delivering the goods, with the team not exactly having a great run at the moment. Indeed, with the former Wales and Blackburn manager being brought in before the new owners took over, it’s still unclear as to whether he has their backing. Setanta reports that he at least has the support of one of the best players at the club, with Micah Richards claiming Sparky should be manager for the long-term.
“Mark Hughes is a great manager,” he told setantasports.com.
“I think he has brought a lot to the club. He is very ambitious and has big plans for us.
“I think he is definitely the man to take us forward.”
One thing’s for sure, Hughes will be demanding an improvement against Stoke on Sunday after such a dismal showing on Monday. The owners expect the team to feature near the top of the Premier League this season, with a view to challenging the ‘Big Four’ next term. Do Manchester City supporters think that they have the right man in charge, or is it too early to tell?
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