Manchester City under review in Abu Dabi over use of funds

Manchester City’s lavish attempt to storm into the top four is being reviewed in Abu Dabi over concerns in the Middle East that the millions donated by owner Sheikh Mansour have not been used wisely in the transfer market.

Manchester City paid $27 million to bring striker Edin Dzeko to Eastlands from Wolfsburg, and £24 million to Inter Milan last summer for the troubled Mario Balotelli, the Daily Express reports.

It’s believed the £32.5 million British record purchase of Robinho, which saw City lose around £17 million on the deal, was reportedly hatched in Abu Dhabi.

Questions are now being asked at the highest level over the issue.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised it, saying: “Over the last two or three years we have seen very wealthy owners become part of football clubs and go on this kamikaze effort to spend money.”

City’s football administration officer Brian Marwood, however, argued that his club is only catching up with the elite who have spent huge amounts over the years.
 
“Sheikh Mansour, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and those involved want to be in it for the long haul. They want to put a structure in place, one they can enjoy for a number of years,” he added.