Manchester City insist Manuel Pellegrini will act as manager in the best traditions of the Premier League. City are adamant that Pellegrini has been brought in to manage the club rather than act as a continental-style head coach - and that the senior team will not be run by committee.

An Etihad insider told the Sunday Mirror: "Manuel will make the final decision on transfer policy - both in terms of players bought and sold by the club.

"It is clear that the days when a manager ­controlled every single aspect of a football club are at an end and, in that respect, ­Pellegrini will concentrate his efforts on the first team.

"But he will also have a big influence on what happens at all levels of the club - including things like the Academy and the make-up of the medical staff.

"And, while he certainly will be working hand in glove with the director of football, he has been ­appointed as a manager rather than a head coach.

"Manuel isn't a puppet.

"He will have the final say on every single decision that is ­related to the first team."