We here at the Transfer Tavern have followed the whirlwind that has been Manchester City since Sheikh Mansour took over the club in 2008.
They went from a side battling for Premier League status to world beaters overnight, in a process that was earmarked with the arrival of Robinho just after the takeover was confirmed.
The last 5 years have been as progressive as ever as City have transformed from challengers to winners in the Premier League.
The Man City fans here at the Football Transfer Tavern have experienced a lot of excitement over the past 5 years – seeing titles and cups won, and a number of top stars walk through the doors at the Etihad.
With that said, here are the 3 best things Man City have done in the last 5 years – do you agreed?
Setting up the City Football Group
In 2014/15, Shiekh Mansour decided to invest in setting up an association with clubs in the US and Australia, with the club aiding the development of New York City FC and the development of Melbourne City in Australia.
This was a good way to open the door to the prospect of improving their crop of youth players by allowing them to head out on-loan to their sister clubs, as well as see what talented players there are in the big Apple and down under.
This has seen the likes of Brattan and Caceres join City from sides in Australia, and then join up with Melbourne on-loan – benefiting both parties.
With NYCFC it has allowed City the chance to send coaches like Patrick Viera out to improve – with a future role at City the goal.
It is increasing the Manchester City brand across the globe – and is building the side from a club to a dynasty.
Signing Sergio Aguero
In 2011, Manchester City purchased Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid for £38 million – a fee that looks like a bargain in today’s market.
He has proven well and truly that he is worth that sum of money. The Argentine is arguably the best striker currently in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has scored an impressive 105 goals in just over 150 games for City which is a great return, but by far his best goal was the one against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the 2011/12 season.
It came in the 92nd minute – and sent the Etihad into delight as they secured the title over arch rivals Manchester United.
What a signing.
Securing the Appointment of Pep Guardiola
The sought after Spanish manager, who many see as the best coach around, was appointed near the end of last season.
The former Barca and Bayern manager so far been able to turn his side into a typical Guardiola team, playing from the back and dominating their opposition.
Our punters here in the Tavern, especially the Citizens among them, were sad to see Hart forced out – but for the sake of the way the side are to play it was a sacrifice that needed to be made.
The Spanish boss will hopefully be able to take City to the next level and push for the Champions League that the owners demand.
