Royle: Abu Dhabi trip not to blame for Man City exit

Former Manchester City manager Joe Royle has backed Manuel Pellegrini’s assessment that their late return from Abu Dhabi had little to do with their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough.

The Premier League champions were humbled 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium by the Championship outfit, who progressed thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford and Kike.