Mancini replaces sacked Hughes

Mark Hughes was sacked as manager of Manchester City yesterday and replaced by former Inter coach Roberto Mancini, the English Premier League side announced.

City have lost just twice in the league this season and Hughes departed despite seeing his team win 4-3 in the league at home to Sunderland.

But City, who are sixth in the table, have drawn eight matches this season and their record under Hughes was clearly not good enough for the club's billionaire Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour, who has spent over £200 million on bringing new players to Eastlands since the Welsh boss's arrival.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, explaining Hughes's departure, said in a statement: "A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set.

"Sheikh Mansour and the board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change.

"This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career."

Mubarak added: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm the appointment, with immediate effect on a permanent contract, of Roberto Mancini and are also pleased to announce that Brian Kidd will join Roberto as assistant manager."