TF90M wonders due to his United past will the blue half of Manchester ever be able to accept Mark Hughes as manager of City?
The current Manchester City boss, Mark Hughes, will be forever remembered as a fantastic footballer and perhaps in the future as a successful manager, though his link with City's greatest rivals United must surely remain a hindrance for the Welshman in his current position.
Nicknamed 'Sparky', Hughes became a fan's favourite at Old Trafford during his two spells at the club, separated by time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively. As a dynamic goalscorer and influential figure, Hughes won numerous individual awards to add to the many trophies won collectively by the team, including the FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and Premier League. Spells at Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn followed before Hughes hung up his boots to focus on a new challenge, that of football management.
Having been appointed as the coach of the Welsh national side, whilst still playing professionally, Hughes' learning took place on the job and his successful stint helped transform the side during his near five year spell. With Hughes in charge Wales came close to qualifying for Euro 2004 only to be denied a place in the final tournament after losing to Russia in the playoffs. Hughes decided to move on in 2004 and took charge of Blackburn Rovers, the last club he had played for. His main aim was to keep Blackburn clear of relegation which he succeeded in doing, whilst also taking the club to an FA Cup semi-final for the first time in over 40 years. Further success followed with qualification for Europe, and Hughes' nouse in the transfer market was illustrated with the purchases of David Bentley, Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz.
Following the sacking of Sven Goran Eriksson, Hughes, who had been allowed to talk to Manchester City by his employers, left Blackburn to take the job at the City of Manchester Stadium. Following the appointment, Manchester City's executive chairman Garry Cook stated that
"The Club intends to invest in new players as well as securing the long term services of key members of the current first team squad. Mark has already identified some of the players and backroom staff that he wants to see here at City, and we will begin the process of recruiting them immediately."
The scenario was quickly altered however when Man City were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United investment group with large financial backing promised. With tabloid rumours rife, there was said to be differing targets for Hughes and the club's owners. The purchase of Brazilian Robinho confirmed the club's high aims, with subsequent bids for Gianluigi Buffon, Franck Ribery and Fernando Torres being reportedly snubbed.
The story of January revolved around another Brazilian, his name Kaka. The on-off transfer saga once again illustrated the club's aims and the financial support. Though with the move off, at least until the summer, Hughes now needs to concentrate on building a team from what he has got.
The shrewd purchases of Shay Given and Craig Bellamy appear to be more the choice of the manager and it will be key come the summer, if the board decides to stick with Hughes, that he has the final say on all transfer targets.
With such publicised funds available, and the already uneasy triadic relationship between Hughes, City and United, fans of City will have to realise money can't immediately create a successful team. It took Chelsea time, it caused numerous problems at Real Madrid and for Man City it may not be about which superstar they can purchase but which player will fit in best with Hughes' master plan.
Supporters may want to see a dream team take to the pitch on a Saturday afternoon though it would be wrong to expect trophies instantaneously. Hughes now has to face inflated expectations and if the followers of Man City were able to accept him as the right man back when he joined, they now have to give him time and control to take the club forward in the manner he elects.
Such as Martin O'Neill has been given at Aston Villa, time is imperative at a football club and it is time and unity that builds a winning team, not just money.
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