Source: Daily_Mail
Roberto Mancini defends Manchester City's £130m spree after Sir Alex Ferguson's attack
Hitting back: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini [LNB]Roberto Mancini says Manchester City's signing blitz is over for this transfer window, before hitting back at Sir Alex Ferguson's attack on his neighbours' 'kamikaze spending'. [LNB]James Milner's move from Aston Villa took Mancini's spending to more than £130million since the end of last season - more than five times the amount Ferguson has spent strengthening his squad. [LNB]Yet the Italian, who will not welcome his sixth new recruit until City have returned from tonight's Europa League playoff in Romania, dismissed the Manchester United boss's criticism and said the 11-time Premier League champions had spent lavishly in the past to take success to the club. [LNB]The City manager said: 'All the other teams have spent a lot of money in the past. I don't mean 15 years ago, but in the last one, two or three years.[LNB] 'It's normal when you want to buy a good player that you have to spend money, this is the market. 'It is not important for me (what Ferguson says). I respect his opinion, but I repeat that United, like City, have spent a lot of money in the past.'[LNB] City slicker: Milner's move takes City's summer spending to more than £130million [LNB] In his attack, Ferguson said: 'Over the last two or three years we have seen wealthy owners become part of clubs and therefore go on this kamikaze effort to spend their money.' [LNB]Mancini will decide after training today whether to risk new boy Mario Balotelli in tonight's clash against FC Timisoara. But he will stick with England keeper Joe Hart ahead of Shay Given, who was expected to be used in rotation for the European matches. [LNB]Debut: New boy Balotelli could feature tonight [LNB]The latest snub is likely to hasten the Republic of Ireland star's departure. And if Mark Schwarzer completes his move to Arsenal from Fulham, Mark Hughes, who took Given from Newcastle in a £5.6m deal, is expected to make a move for the 34-year-old. [LNB]Given, who has also been offered an improved deal by Mancini, is eager to play regularly in readiness for Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign. [LNB]A source close to him said: 'Shay is confused and torn. He joined City to win things after 10 years at Newcastle. He just wants to play and can't see Mancini leaving Hart out now, even if he makes a mistake. He'll stand by his man.'[LNB] Meanwhile, Milner said he was targeting the Barclays Premier League title after joining City in a deal which takes Stephen Ireland to Villa Park. [LNB]The former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder said: 'It didn't take too much selling by the boss when you see the players here and the plans for the club. 'The last thing he said to me was, "be ready for the next game", and then he said, "be ready to win the Premier League", and that's my ultimate aim - that's what I want to do here. This is a great club going places very quickly.' [LNB] Shooting for the moon! Rich City take the buzz to FC Timisoara for Europa League tieJames Milner seals his £26m switch from Aston Villa to Manchester CityManchester City striker Felipe Caicedo's loan move to West Ham thrown into doubtMANCHESTER CITY FC
