Having missed out on superstar Brazilian Ronaldinho, Manchester City have resorted
to feng shui to boost their chances this season.

Magic crystals have been buried under the turf to energise the team's players.

Several have already been dug into the centre circle - and dozens more will be hidden beneath the corner flags before the season kicks off on August 17, according to The Daily Mirror.

Bosses believe the crystals will turn the £90million City of Manchester Stadium into a hub of 'positive energy and harmony'.

To be Frank: Manchester City chairman Thaksin Shinawatra at Eastlands

A further 100 crystals will be put on concrete posts outside the Eastlands ground.

A club source said: 'It's really bizarre behaviour.

'The older City fans won't like it one bit. Apparently the Thai owners love the superstitious principles of the Far East and hope the crystals will improve the team's performance and the club's financial success.'

The unusual move came after billionaire owner Thaksin Shinawatra convinced executive chairman Garry Cook to introduce the calming Chinese practice.

Thai bosses attended a crystal-burying ceremony earlier this week.

The source said: 'They used a special tool and sunk several crystals into the ground beneath the centre circle.'

Mr Cook now plans to adopt feng shui all around the 48,000-seat stadium.

Reception areas, offices and the club shop have been filled with lucky fortune trees, three-legged money toads and buddhas.

Lucky Thai pennies will also be placed in the club safe.

Success story: Manchester City's youth team celebrate victory over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup Final. The senior side aim to emulate them with the help of crystals

The source said: 'The stadium is littered with these bizarre symbols. It's hilarious, one of the fortune trees still has the tag on, it's from B&Q for £24.95. But if it helps us to win games, then who cares?'

Feng shui practitioner Simon Brown said the club was right to try to inspire the team.

He said: 'Crystals come from deep inside mountains and have a strong energy. Putting them under the pitch will bring that energy on to the field. The three-legged toad and lucky trees are aimed at promoting financial success.

'It's like a Catholic putting a Crucifix on the wall, for Thai people these symbols are important. But if they really want to affect the players they should change the colour of their jerseys. Teams who wear red like Manchester United seem to win far more often than clubs in blue.'

Shinawatra, 58, known as Frank in the city, bought the team for £82m a year ago. But while he believes feng shui can lead to success, it is more likely his £200m transfer treasure chest will do the job.