Mark Hughes hits back at rival managers

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City are determined to challenge the Premier League's big four this season and have gone on a huge summer spending spree backed by the almost limitless wealth of club owner Sheikh Mansour.

This attempt to fast-track themselves to the top has been criticised by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who described City as a "small club with a small mentality" while Arsenal and Liverpool counterparts Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez have attacked the way City's spending has distorted the transfer market.

Hughes, who played with distinction for Manchester United and Barcelona among others, questioned whether some managers spoke out as they did because they had never been able to let their feet do the talking.

He told the Daily Express: "I have never had to court publicity myself because I played for top clubs.

"I was reticent to say too much at all when I was playing. The truth is I never had to, because my performances generated headlines anyway. I was good at what I did and that was enough.

"That has been my way for 45 years so I don't think I will suddenly become one for mind games.

"But other managers feel that their profile has been raised and they have to do that. Maybe it is because they have not played at a certain level.

"I'm aware managers are saying things about us at the moment but I see that as trying to ease pressure on themselves - that is predictable."