VIEIRA IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

IDEAlly, the satellite clubs of the City Football Group feed the biggest of them all, Manchester City. So Aaron Mooy is recruited by Melbourne City, impresses, is signed by Manchester City and eventually by Huddersfield. His career path is straightforward, either way. He makes the grade in Manchester, or their status secures him a career elsewhere in England, for an enhanced fee. It’s a win-win for club and player. The same should apply to managers, but it is more complex. Patrick Vieira’s experience with New york City could prepare him to succeed Pep Guardiola in Manchester one day. yet until the standard of Major league Soccer improves, little comes guaranteed. Would Manchester City take a chance on a coach whose sole position was in MlS? Probably not. Bob Bradley is the only American to manage a Premier league side and his time at Swansea did not end well. So Vieira has done the right thing, swapping New york for Nice. A successful time in ligue 1 or beyond will give him experience of coaching in a major European league, while his years in New york maintain the connection with City. As long as he has departed on good terms — and there is nothing to suggest otherwise — leaving may actually enhance his chances of becoming Manchester City manager one day.