City are ‘Barca’ all over

JORDI CRUYFF reckons the Barcelona-isation of Manchester City is making them irresistible in the way his old club Manchester United once were.

The 44-year-old joined United from

Barca — the club built in his father Johan’s image — in 1996 when they were the dominant force in England.

He said: “Like other players at the time, I did not need to think twice about whether I would join United or City. Just like Barca, United were irresistible.”

City are now that team, however, and Cruyff (below) knows it’s down to the appointment of three men steeped in Nou Camp history.

He added: “Things look even worse for United since City have taken over the football vision of Barcelona.

“That is not just down to Pep Guardiola. Three key positions in the club are taken by former Barcelona people.

“Pep is the coach and responsible for the team. Txiki Begiristain has the overall technical view as director of football and Ferran Soriano keeps his eye on the business side.

“By having a trio with such strong Barcelona ties indicates that City have gone for a clear philosophy, that is leading to trophies and success everywhere.

“The philosophy of what the club stands for has gone at United.

“I get a strong feeling there is no plan that says which way the club is going and that could guide all the people working there.

“Not making any steps forward in the Premier League is resulting in their rivals overtaking them – and here is where the next problem lies.”