Real Mancunians Support Manchester City
The Blues are the new Chelsea FC. And rather fittingly on a day when Abu Dhabi United Group bought up the Mancunian club, they also stole the transfer-deadline thunder by signing Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho, for a British transfer-fee record. And in the process they beat Chelski to it. This is a huge coup for a club that has been trying to signal its Champions League credentials ever since former Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinwatra took over the club last year. By securing the 24-year-old forward, City can lay to rest the disappointment at missing out on fellow Brazilian and former Barcelona playmaker, Ronaldinho over the summer. And to add an ironic insult to injury, Robinho's first game could be City's next game on 13 September against... Chelsea FC. How appropriate.
However, a few words of caution. As good as the changes are, Blue Mancunians should not assume they can simply catapult themselves into the big league with rich new owners and one of the world's best players. Two seasons ago, fellow mid-tablers West Ham United announced the coup of its time by unveiling Argentine super-duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. End result? The latter moved to Liverpool when he got tired of being left on the bench and the former became a hero by scoring crucial goals to keep the East London club afloat on the wrong side of the table. Robinho is a step, a big step no doubt in the right direction, but if City are to shake the foundations of the Big Four, they'll need to reinforce their supply-lines. It's about time the Big Four were given a challenge. After starting last season in such a brilliant manner, can the Mancunian club perform even better this year?
However, a few words of caution. As good as the changes are, Blue Mancunians should not assume they can simply catapult themselves into the big league with rich new owners and one of the world's best players. Two seasons ago, fellow mid-tablers West Ham United announced the coup of its time by unveiling Argentine super-duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. End result? The latter moved to Liverpool when he got tired of being left on the bench and the former became a hero by scoring crucial goals to keep the East London club afloat on the wrong side of the table. Robinho is a step, a big step no doubt in the right direction, but if City are to shake the foundations of the Big Four, they'll need to reinforce their supply-lines. It's about time the Big Four were given a challenge. After starting last season in such a brilliant manner, can the Mancunian club perform even better this year?