Mancini set for crucial summer

ROBERTO Mancini wants to take a leaf out of Manchester United's book to ensure Manchester City bounce back from this season's disappointing title defence.

United have responded to the narrow loss in the battle for the Barclays Premier League crown last year by dominating the current season.

Sir Alex Ferguson's United men head into tonight's derby against City at Old Trafford with a 15–point lead over their neighbours. City manager Mancini now wants to make sure the Eastlands club makes the right moves over the summer to ensure his team once again leads the way next season.

The Italian said: "Last year United didn't win anything – Community Shield yes – but they continue to improve their team. We need to do better next year."

Mancini failed to land all his prime transfer targets last summer, but with City’s new administration at the Etihad Stadium he is confident of doing better this time around.

City did strike one important blow last week when the inspirational Yaya Toure, after speculation he could leave, signed a new four–year contract and later spoke of his confidence in the club's future.

Mancini said: "This is important for the club, it is important that they sign new contracts. We know that we should buy important players for next year if we want to improve.”

Ferguson's success over the past two decades has owed much to his ability to continually refresh his side.