Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has hit out at the club's critics.

"We're there to be shot at because of the money that's come into the club - and people haven't been slow to take pot-shots," said Dunne.

"Not long ago people liked City because we didn't pose a threat to anyone.

"Now, every time we lose, the critics come out with all kinds of stuff. They laugh at us.

"Well they'd better enjoy laughing at us now, because over the next few years City are going to become one of the top teams.

"Some of the things said by so-called experts have been ridiculous. We're even being hammered for the way some players dress travelling to away matches.

"It just shows some people are desperate for us to fail."