Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, hasn't missed a trick since his takeover last year.

City's owner has never been to Eastlands but Hughes attempted to put the impact on the club into context ahead of Thursday night's game.

"We can only talk about the investment Sheikh Mansour has made and the leadership Khaldoon al-Mubarak is displaying as chairman," Hughes said.

"Ever since their involvement, the club has only gone in one direction. We will always be grateful for that.

"From our point of view at the club, knowing that the owner and people who have made the vision happen for him are looking long-term is a major plus.

"It is not about just hoping to make a profit.

"It is about building a partnership between Manchester City and Abu Dhabi. That is key to everything that has happened to our club. It is really positive."

Hughes added: "He is a big fan of football, so I would imagine he will be there.

"He has a huge knowledge of football in England, which is why he wanted to introduce himself to the players.

"We are thankful that it occurred because it was very special, especially for the younger players."