City fans satisfied United old boy Hughes is the man to replace Eriksson

Providing compensation can be agreed, Hughes is expected to hold talks with City over the next couple of days, with speculation mounting that he will be offered the job. 

Some Blues fans have already expressed their reservations about Hughes' long-standing links with United, where he won the Premier League title, FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.  

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Welcomed with open arms: City fans should accept Hughes

However, Dave Wallace, editor of the respected King of the Kippax fanzine, recalls the massive impact Matt Busby had after taking over as manager of United following an illustrious playing career with City before World War II.  

And he feels Hughes has made enough of a positive impression at Blackburn, and with the Wales national side before that, for supporters to overlook traditional club rivalries.  

"I don't think most people would have a problem with Mark Hughes," said Wallace.  

"He has given Manchester United enough hard games in the past (as manager of Blackburn).  

"Matt Busby was a Manchester City player but it did not stop United making him their manager and look at the success he had. 

"I suppose some fans remember Steve Coppell coming here and lasting about five minutes but I don't think that would happen with Hughes. 

"He has already proved himself to be a very successful manager."  

Wallace is still not entirely convinced about the merits of Eriksson's departure, which was finally confirmed in a club statement on Monday morning.  

And, while Hughes may be a popular choice as replacement, the feeling is owner Thaksin Shinawatra needs to learn some lessons about football club ownership pretty quickly.  

"It is a worry that Dr Thaksin has not seen sufficient progress," he said.  

"When you look at it, we have had a consistent season and got into Europe.  

"Maybe there were a number of people who were not happy with the team's performances after the derby game in February and also the inconsistencies of some of his signings but I would have thought, under the circumstances, he had done enough to get himself another 12 months.  

"Instead, we are back to the unstable situation we always seem to have.  

"Dr Thaksin needs to understand that things do not happen overnight in football. The situation at Manchester United is a perfect example of that. They stuck with Alex Ferguson, gave him money and see what benefits they are getting.  

"If it is going to be Mark Hughes we need to give him a decent length of time."

Although club officials insist a deal to secure Hughes' services is not cut and dried by any means, it would be a surprise if the former striker is not eventually unveiled.  

And Wallace thinks the new man's first task will be to calm fears of an exodus among City's top name stars, with skipper Richard Dunne and England internationals Micah Richards and Joe Hart among those who have been linked with moves away from Eastlands.  

"People seem to have been unsettled by what has happened to Sven," he said.   "We have to hope the new manager comes in and sorts these lads out and ensures they stay.  

"If you look at the fact we have a European campaign to build on, plus the young players and ones like Elano, Martin Petrov and Vedran Corluka, we have a lot to look forward to. 

"We should be in a position to kick on from here and hopefully Mark Hughes, if that is to be who we get, will do that."