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The big 3 of English football are Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. These three are are held by most to be the biggest clubs in the country. Who is next would then be quite debatable. A few years ago some would have said Chelsea, but now it quite well argued to be Manchester City, especially in the light of their recent phenomenal success. A success which could be argued not be given its due credit as it is is attributed by some to merely investing a lot of money which would be a very simplistic way of looking at including if we take into consideration the fact that Manchester United have also invested a huge amount of money but not had the level of success that they wish they could have. In terms of Manchester United ‘success’ would be defined as winning the title as befitting their status and not just continuously gaining a place in the champion’s league, which for a club like ‘Fulham’ would definitely be viewed as ‘success’. Everton have also spent a lot of money in the past few years but have had to struggle with avoiding relegation. Nevertheless Man City, have a rich history dating back to the 19th century, the club have evolved into a powerhouse in English and European football. This article delves into the club’s origins, stadiums, kits, managerial history, legendary players, the significant move to the Etihad Stadium, and a detailed account of their now trophy-laden journey.

Origins and Early History

Manchester City’s roots trace back to 1880 when it was founded as St. Mark’s (West Gorton) in Manchester. In 1887, the club became Ardwick Association Football Club, and by 1894, it was rebranded as Manchester City Football Club. The name change aimed to reflect the club’s ambition to represent the entire city.

The club’s early years were marked by fluctuating fortunes. They achieved their first major success in 1904 by winning the FA Cup, defeating Bolton Wanderers 1-0. This victory established Manchester City as a prominent force in English football.

Stadiums

Hyde Road (1887–1923)

Manchester City’s first significant stadium was Hyde Road, which they occupied from 1887. The ground had a capacity of around 40,000 but was destroyed by fire in 1920, prompting the need for a new home.

Maine Road (1923–2003)

In 1923, the club moved to Maine Road in the Moss Side area of Manchester. Known as the “Wembley of the North,” Maine Road boasted a capacity of over 80,000 at its peak. It witnessed numerous historic moments, including record attendances and memorable matches.

Etihad Stadium (2003–Present)

The turn of the millennium brought significant changes. In 2003, Manchester City relocated to the City of Manchester Stadium, later renamed the Etihad Stadium due to sponsorship deals. With a seating capacity of over 53,000, it stands as one of the premier football venues in the UK. The move marked a new era of growth and success for the club.

Kits

Manchester City’s traditional home colours are sky blue shirts and white shorts, a combination first adopted in 1894. Over the years, the club’s kits have undergone various design changes, reflecting contemporary styles and technological advancements. The away kits have featured a range of colors, including red and black, maroon, and navy blue.

The club’s kits have been manufactured by several companies, including Umbro, Reebok, Le Coq Sportif, and Nike. Since 2019, Puma has been the official kit supplier, introducing innovative designs that pay homage to the club’s heritage while embracing modern aesthetics.

Managers

Manchester City has been managed by numerous individuals, each contributing to the club’s rich tapestry. Notable managers include:

  • Joe Mercer (1965–1971): Led the club to significant successes, including the First Division title in 1967–68 and the FA Cup in 1969.

  • Tony Book (1974–1979): A former player who managed the team to a League Cup victory in 1976.

  • Peter Reid (1990–1993): Oversaw a period of stability in the early Premier League era.

  • Kevin Keegan (2001–2005): Brought attacking football and helped secure promotion to the Premier League.

  • Roberto Mancini (2009–2013): Ended the club’s 35-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup in 2011 and secured the Premier League title in 2012.

  • Manuel Pellegrini (2013–2016): Won the Premier League in 2014 and two League Cups.

  • Pep Guardiola (2016–Present): Under his leadership, the club has achieved unprecedented success, including multiple Premier League titles, domestic trebles, and their first UEFA Champions League victory.

The Transformation of Manchester City Under Sheikh Mansour: From Mid-Table Club to Global Football Powerhouse

In August 2008, Manchester City Football Club underwent a transformative change when Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi acquired the club through the Abu Dhabi United Group for a reported £210 million . This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Manchester City, transitioning from a club with sporadic success to a dominant force in English and European football. Prior to this period Manchester City may have been spoken about in the same breath as other ‘mediocre’ clubs such as Aston Villa and West ham but not with with title-winning giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea but after 2008 things started to change.

Strategic Vision and Initial Investments

Sheikh Mansour’s vision extended beyond immediate success; he aimed to build a sustainable and globally recognised football institution. In the initial years following the takeover, significant investments were made to strengthen the squad. Notable signings included Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.8 million, signalling the club’s intent to attract top talent . Between 2008 and 2010, approximately £320 million was spent on player acquisitions, with a total earmarked budget of £500 million for transfers during that period .

Infrastructure Development: The Etihad Campus

Recognising the importance of world-class facilities, Sheikh Mansour invested in the development of the Etihad Campus, a state-of-the-art training complex and youth academy. Opened in 2014, the campus cost between £150 million and £200 million and spans over 30 hectares . It features 16 training pitches, a 7,000-seat academy stadium, and comprehensive facilities for both men’s and women’s teams, as well as youth development programmes .

Managerial Appointments and Tactical Evolution

To complement the investment in players and infrastructure, strategic managerial appointments were crucial. Roberto Mancini was appointed in 2009, leading the team to an FA Cup victory in 2011 and the Premier League title in 2012 . Manuel Pellegrini succeeded Mancini, securing another league title in 2014. The most significant appointment came in 2016 with Pep Guardiola, under whose guidance the club achieved unprecedented success, including multiple Premier League titles and a historic domestic treble in the 2018-19 season .

Global Expansion and Commercial Growth

Under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership, Manchester City expanded its global footprint through the establishment of the City Football Group (CFG). CFG acquired or partnered with clubs worldwide, including New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, and Yokohama F. Marinos, enhancing scouting networks, player development, and brand visibility . Commercially, the club secured high-profile sponsorships with brands like Etihad Airways, Puma, and Nissan, significantly boosting revenue streams.

Financial Commitment and Sustainability

By 2018, Sheikh Mansour had invested over £1.3 billion into Manchester City, in addition to the initial purchase price . This substantial financial commitment facilitated the club’s rise to prominence. Despite the heavy investments, the club achieved a record turnover of £500.5 million and a profit of £10 million in the 2017-18 season, indicating a move towards financial sustainability .The Guardian

On-Field Success and Legacy

The strategic investments and managerial decisions culminated in significant on-field success. Manchester City secured multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and achieved their first UEFA Champions League victory in the 2022-23 season, completing a continental treble . The club’s transformation under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership serves as a testament to the impact of visionary leadership and strategic investment in modern football.

The Move to the Etihad Stadium

The transition to the Etihad Stadium in 2003 marked a significant milestone. The move provided the club with a modern facility, increased revenue opportunities, and the capacity to attract top talent. The stadium has since become a fortress, witnessing numerous memorable matches and serving as the backdrop for the club’s rise to prominence.

Mancini wins Manchester City their first title in the modern era.

Mancini celebrates, picture from The Guardian.

Before their 2012 triumph, Manchester City had last won the top-flight league title in the 1967–68 season under Joe Mercer. In the decades that followed, City fell into mediocrity, even dropping down to the third tier in the late 1990s. Though they had moments of resurgence, they had become known as underachievers in English football.

That all began to change in 2008, when Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group bought the club. With substantial financial backing, City started building a squad capable of challenging the traditional “Big Four.” Roberto Mancini, appointed in December 2009, was the man tasked with turning investment into silverware.

Building a Squad to Compete

Roberto Mancini approached squad building with clear intent: to blend technical quality with tactical discipline and mental toughness. He made several key signings over his first few transfer windows, assembling a team that could compete on multiple fronts.

Key Players in the 2011–12 Squad

  • Joe Hart – City’s undisputed No.1, Hart was at the peak of his powers, providing stability and commanding presence in goal.

  • Vincent Kompany – The club captain and defensive rock. Kompany provided leadership, defensive steel, and a knack for timely goals.

  • Joleon Lescott – Partnered Kompany at the back, forming one of the league’s most effective centre-back pairings.

  • Pablo Zabaleta & Gaël Clichy – Dynamic full-backs who offered width in attack and resilience in defence.

  • Yaya Touré – The powerhouse in midfield. His ability to dictate tempo and surge forward made him one of the league’s most dominant players.

  • David Silva – The creative hub of the team. Silva’s vision, passing range, and intelligent movement made City tick.

  • Gareth Barry & Nigel de Jong – Provided balance in midfield, offering protection to the defence and control in possession.

  • Sergio Agüero – Signed from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2011, Agüero brought flair, pace, and crucial goals—including the most famous goal in Premier League history.

  • Edin Džeko – Offered physicality and an alternative goal threat.

  • Mario Balotelli – Unpredictable but brilliant, Balotelli had the talent to turn games.

  • Carlos Tévez – Though involved in a controversial mid-season absence, Tévez returned late in the campaign and played a key role.

Mancini’s Tactical Blueprint

Mancini’s tactics were often cautious by Premier League standards, but they were highly effective. He preferred a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation with a fluid front line and a focus on control and discipline. The shape would often shift during games depending on the opponent and game state.

Key Moments of the 2011–12 Season

Early Season Dominance

City started the season in sensational form, including an unforgettable 6–1 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford in October. That performance sent shockwaves through English football and established City as genuine title contenders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHy-RdL5I7U

The title race took a dramatic turn in the second half of the season. A poor run of away results, a temporary dip in form, and the internal conflict surrounding Carlos Tévez’s refusal to warm up in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich created instability. Manchester United took advantage, opening up an eight-point lead with just six games remaining.

The Comeback

Mancini refused to give up. He managed to re-integrate Tévez into the squad, and City began clawing back the deficit. A crucial 1–0 win over United in late April, sealed by a Kompany header, put the title back within reach.

On 13 May 2012, City faced Queens Park Rangers at home in the final match of the season. They needed a win to secure the title on goal difference. Despite taking the lead, City trailed 2–1 going into injury time.

What followed was arguably the most dramatic finish in football history:

  • 92:39 – Edin Džeko headed in a corner to level the match at 2–2.

  • 93:20 – Sergio Agüero, after receiving a pass from Balotelli, drove into the box and fired past Paddy Kenny to win the title in stoppage time.

It was City’s first top-flight title in 44 years, won in the final seconds of the final game of the season. Mancini’s team had done the impossible.

 

Legacy

Though Mancini would be replaced by Manuel Pellegrini in 2013, his impact on Manchester City is undeniable. He delivered the club’s first league title in over four decades and laid the foundation for a winning culture. His mix of tactical conservatism and attacking flair became a blueprint for success at the club.

The 2012 title wasn’t just about a trophy—it was a turning point. It announced to the world that Manchester City had arrived. And at the centre of it all was Roberto Mancini, the man who made belief a reality.

Pelligrini succeeds Mancini

Roberto Mancini was dismissed as Manchester City manager in May 2013, just a year after delivering the club’s first top-flight title in 44 years. While his success on the pitch was undeniable, tensions behind the scenes, particularly with players and senior figures at the club, ultimately led to his departure. Reports of strained relationships and a perceived lack of long-term vision in terms of youth development and European performance contributed to the decision.

In his place, City appointed Manuel Pellegrini, a calm and tactically astute Chilean manager known for his attacking football and man-management skills. Pellegrini was brought in to foster a more cohesive atmosphere at the club and implement a more expansive, entertaining style of play—attributes that aligned with City’s ambition to not only dominate domestically but also make significant strides in Europe. During his three-year tenure, Pellegrini achieved a respectable level of success. He guided City to the Premier League title in the 2013–14 season with a record 102 league goals, and also lifted two League Cups (in 2014 and 2016).

Pelligrini, photo from the BBC.

Tactically, Pellegrini favoured a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with a focus on fluid attacking movements, wide play, and allowing creative talents like David Silva, Yaya Touré, and Sergio Agüero the freedom to flourish. One of his most notable achievements was leading City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League semi-final in the 2015–16 season, showcasing tangible progress in Europe. Memorable moments from his reign include a thrilling 6–3 win over Arsenal, the resurgence of Touré as a dominant midfield force, and his dignified handling of the final months of his contract after it was announced Pep Guardiola would replace him, despite him still being in post. While not as dominant as his successor, Pellegrini’s time at Manchester City was a significant chapter in the club’s evolution from contenders to regular title challengers.

Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure at Manchester City was marked by significant achievements, including a Premier League title in the 2013–14 season and two League Cup victories. However, despite these successes, the club sought a manager who could instil a long-term philosophy and elevate the team’s performance on the European stage. Pellegrini’s departure was amicably agreed upon, with the club announcing in February 2016 that he would leave at the end of the season, paving the way for Guardiola’s arrival.

The Guardiola Era

Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure at Manchester City was marked by significant achievements, including a Premier League title in the 2013–14 season and two League Cup victories. However, despite these successes, the club sought a manager who could instil a long-term philosophy and elevate the team’s performance on the European stage. Pellegrini’s departure was amicably agreed upon, with the club announcing in February 2016 that he would leave at the end of the season, paving the way for Guardiola’s arrival.

Guardiola’s Tactical Revolution

Guardiola introduced a possession-based, high-pressing style of play, emphasizing positional discipline and fluid attacking movements. His tactical approach transformed Manchester City’s gameplay, focusing on controlling matches through ball retention and structured build-up play. This philosophy not only enhanced the team’s domestic dominance but also improved their competitiveness in European competitions.

Notable Achievements and Records

Under Guardiola’s leadership, Manchester City have achieved unprecedented success:

  • Premier League Titles: Four titles in five seasons, including a record-breaking 100-point campaign in 2017–18.

  • Domestic Treble: In the 2018–19 season, City became the first English men’s team to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in a single season.

  • Champions League Success: Guardiola led City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2021 and secured the title in 2023, completing a historic treble.

Statistical Excellence

Guardiola’s impact is evident in the team’s impressive statistics:

  • Win Rate: Approximately 74% in the Premier League, the highest among managers with over 50 games.

  • Goals Scored: An average of 2.5 goals per game in the Premier League.

  • Goals Conceded: Less than one goal per game on average, showcasing defensive solidity.

Comparison with Contemporaries

When compared to contemporaries like Jürgen Klopp, Guardiola’s statistics highlight his dominance:

  • Jürgen Klopp: During his tenure at Liverpool, Klopp achieved a win percentage of approximately 61%, with his team averaging 2.1 goals scored and 1.02 goals conceded per game.Football365

Guardiola’s superior win rate and goal statistics underscore his effectiveness in implementing a successful and sustainable footballing philosophy.

Legacy and Influence

Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has not only brought silverware but also redefined the club’s identity. His emphasis on tactical discipline, player development, and an attacking ethos has set new standards in English football. The integration of academy players, such as Phil Foden, into the first team exemplifies his commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring long-term success.

Trophies and Achievements

Manchester City’s trophy cabinet has expanded considerably, especially in the 21st century. Their major honours include:

  • Premier League/First Division Titles: 1936–37, 1967–68, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24.Manchester City FC

  • FA Cup Victories: 1903–04, 1933–34, 1955–56, 1968–69, 2010–11, 2018–19, 2022–23.Manchester City FC

  • EFL/League Cup Wins: 1969–70, 1975–76, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21.

  • FA Community/Charity Shield: 1937, 1968, 1972, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2024.

  • European Honors: UEFA Champions League (2022–23), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1969–70), UEFA Super Cup (2023).

  • FIFA Club World Cup:

Notably, in the 2022–23 season, Manchester City achieved a historic continental treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. They further cemented their dominance by clinching the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2023.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s journey from relative midtable mediocrity to global football prominence is as a result of  strategic vision, investment, and other factors despite some of the controversy associated with their rise and the disparaging remarks. In the past few decades they have propelled themselves to the top of English football. However some questions remain which include how long will their Emirati owners still retain control and ownership, and if/when that ends what will the future hold for the club? Will this current era be seen as slightly ‘artificial’ in comparison to the longer and more ‘organic’ (according to some) history of their more famous city rivals, Manchester United.

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