City enjoy strong support, traditionally drawn from the local Manchester area, but are a club whose fans have had to put up with a lot of boardroom instability.
Mark Hughes became their 14th manager in the last 20 years when he was appointed by new chairman Dr Thaksin Shinawatra – the former Thai prime minister who successfully took control of the club in 2007.
City moved from their old home Maine Road to the purpose-built Commonwealth games stadium in 2002, but have not enjoyed much success since then.
The club last lifted silverware in 1976 when Denis Tuart’s goal clinched the League Cup at Wembley.
City have won the FA Cup four times and the league title twice, while their only European success was in the old Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1970.
Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Tony Book, Neil Young and Francis Lee starred for the club in their glory years – the 1960s – but they have produced several talented youngsters recently – including Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards.
Current line up: Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Michael Ball, Nedum Onuoha, Pablo Zabaleta, Michael Johnson, Stephen Ireland, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Valeri Bojinov, Robinho, Elano, Darius Vassell, Javier Garrido, Kasper Schmeichel, Martin Petrov, Danny Mills, Gelson Fernandes, Felipe Caicedo, Dietmar Hamann, Richard Dunne (captain), Ched Evans, Nery Castillo (on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk), Tal Ben Haim, Benjani Mwaruwari, Daniel Sturridge, Kelvin Etuhu, Shaleum Logan, Vincent Kompany.
Manchester City are understood to be preparing a third bid of £45m for Chelsea and England captain John Terry.
The agent of Inter Milan defender and Man City target Maicon claims Real Madrid are keen to sign the Brazilian this summer.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge with a fee to be set by a tribunal.
Stoke are being linked with a raid on Man City for Zimbabwean striker Benjani who has fallen down the pecking order.
Manchester City have been told Chelsea captain John Terry is not for sale after making a second bid for the defender.
Reports indicate Manchester City could complete the signing of Carlos Tevez next week, while work continues to capture Samuel Eto'o.
Manchester City are believed to be ready to increase their offer for Everton defender Joleon Lescott, who could cost £20million.
City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed he is still interested in Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez but doesn't expect a quick resolution.
Manchester City have signed a deal with Endemol, the group responsible for Big Brother, to develop their brand globally.
Samuel Eto'o's agent says Barcelona told him the striker isn't wanted next season and that he'd join Man City if an offer was accepted.
Manchester City are tipped to rival Sevilla and Valencia for £3.5m-rated Spain Under-21 right-back Sergio Sanchez.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has warned supporters that Samuel Eto'o is considering a 'stratospheric offer' from Man City.
Everton and Manchester City are ready to battle it out for the services of Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.
Carlos Tevez is ready to sign for Manchester City after casting Dimitar Berbatov as the scapegoat for his Man Utd exit.
Manchester City are at the front of the queue to sign Maicon and will use Elano as bait if Inter Milan decide to sell the Brazilian.