Manager Roberto Mancini fears Manchester City's failure to land striker Robin van Persie in the off-season could cost them dearly.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict the result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
Van Persie was one of City's top transfer targets during the previous transfer window after he made it clear that he would not sign a new contract with Arsenal, but he eventually ended up at rivals Manchester United.
The £24million move to Old Trafford has proved to be a good one for the Dutchman as he has already notched up 14 goals in 20 games, which has helped the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League standings.
Mancini, whose side are seven points behind their Manchester neighbours, claims City came close to signing Van Persie.
"Robin van Persie is a very important player for United," the Italian said. "He has changed their situation. He is the difference between us."
He added: "We wanted Van Persie because we knew he could be an important player.
"He is totally different from our other strikers. We wanted him for the Champions League and for the Premier League.
"We were very close. We were sure he was for us but this did not happen and now we can do nothing. We were very close three or four months before he joined United."
Despite not signing Van Persie, Mancini is happy with the effort that his strikers Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli are putting in.
"I am happy, very happy," he said. "Last year we were the team that scored the most goals in the Premier League.
"But when you can improve your team with another top player, this is important. With Van Persie we would play with three strikers sometimes."
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story