Hughes assured over City future

Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has backed manager Mark Hughes to succeed at Eastlands and spoken of his aim of making the club “a significant force in world football”.

Sheikh Mansour, a member of the Abu Dhabi Royal family, met with Hughes, club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and executive chairman Garry Cook in the Middle East yesterday.

They discussed a number of issues relating to matters on and off the pitch but Hughes’ immediate position was not a topic of conversation.

“I find that both Mark and Garry share an ambition for success and the enthusiasm and capability to deliver on that ambition,” said Sheikh Mansour.

“I’m delighted at the potential for both men to positively impact the evolution of Manchester City in its entirety.

“I fully endorse the plans approved by the Manchester City board that Khaldoon, Mark and Garry shared with me.

“They reflect our shared aim of seeing Manchester City evolve to become a significant force in the world of football.

“Importantly we see that evolution being on every level and borne out of a sustainable approach that has its foundations in the club’s academy; its fans and the relationship with the Manchester community.”

Speculation over Hughes’ future as manager surfaced after the club slipped to their third successive Barclays Premier League defeat with a 2-1 reverse at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

The former Wales and Blackburn boss was only brought in during the summer to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson, who lasted just one season at City, but the owner has moved to reassure the manager his position is safe.

“Mark shared with me his plans for how the team should be developed,” added Sheikh Mansour. His strategy is compelling and he has my absolute mandate to implement his plans to evolve this team in the right way over the short, medium and long terms.”