Former Manchester United chief David Gill has paid tribute to the current board of Manchester City.

Gill was speaking during an event to celebrate 500 years of Manchester Grammar School.

Speaking about the day when Sheikh Mansour took over as owner in 2008, Gill said: “The immediate reaction was, 'we've seen it before with Abramovich (at Chelsea)' and you have to deal with it.

“Clearly, he shook it up in terms of the investments he made.

“They made mistakes but they now have a very good team and you can't argue with that.

“I think you also have to give credit to their vision, so to speak.

“What they've done in conjunction with the Manchester city council in east Manchester is fantastic.

“If Sheikh Mansour decided he wanted to sell the club tomorrow, what he's left there, in terms of the development of that whole area, is unbelievable and is great testament to what they have done."

He added: “Clearly, they have raised their game and it is a very well run club.

“It's very exciting for the Premier League. They will, without a doubt, be a long term player and a force to be reckoned with for many years.

“And I think Manchester United have got to respond to that as well as other clubs."