City can challenge United — Mancini

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini aims to challenge Manchester United for the title next season and also has his eye on a successful European campaign.

That is why the Italian is keen to beef up his squad — as early as possible — when the transfer window opens.

Mancini outlined his plans following the 2–0 victory against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium thanks to goals from Joleon Lescott and substitute Edin Dzeko.

The result brings automatic entry to the Champions League group stages and capped a superb season for City after they lifted the FA Cup, an achievement they will celebrate today with an open–top bus parade.

Asked if it was possible to challenge United, he said: “Why not? But it is important we have all the new players in position for pre–season.

“Last year we had some players join five days before the start of the campaign, which did not help us. That is why we want to do business early this summer.”

On the Champions League, he added: “It is a strange competition. We are a good team, but maybe we need other players who have played in it and have experience.

“Every game is a hard game and if you don’t have many players you can change in the Champions League and Premier League it would be a really hard season.

Lescott made the breakthrough in the 43rd minute when he sent a looping header over Jussi Jaaskelainen following a corner from Adam Johnson.

That took the wind out of Bolton’s sails and Dzeko added a second in the 62nd minute, shortly after stepping off the bench when he capitalised on Gary Cahill’s mistake.