Cash-rich Manchester City have a bright future and the man to deliver the goods is none other than Mark Hughes, who has the Eastlands club’s full backing.

City executive chairman Garry Cook has confirmed that the former Blackburn Rovers boss will be given time and resources to build a powerful side that is capable of bringing to reality Adu Dhabi United Group’s aim of making the Citizens’ into a force in world football.

Hughes recently stressed that he is keen to address the frailties of his side and is set to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Cook told the MEN: "The future on the field is bright. Mark talks about moving this club forward. I can't think of anybody better to take us there.

"He knows what the job involves. If we give Mark the resources, he will deliver for us. But he is working with a squad he largely inherited.

"We've come a long way in a short space of time, and people are forgetting that. We've surprised people, and we will continue to surprise people.

"But it will happen over the long term. It's not about last Sunday's result, or the result against Newcastle a week on Monday.

"Of course, everybody wants to win their next match, but we're talking about Manchester City's long-term impact."