Man City boss Roberto Mancini hails Sheikh Mansour

Roberto MANCINI wishes Sheikh Mansour was around every week to act as Manchester City's lucky charm.

Almost two years after he bought the club from Thaksin Shinawatra, City's immensely wealthy owner saw them in Premier League combat for the first time last night.

And he could not have picked a better occasion as City delivered a performance fit for a king to demolish Liverpool 3-0 at Eastlands.

"The owner was very happy," said Mancini. "We don't have time to celebrate with him because we have another match to prepare for in two days but I hope the Sheikh can come every week."

New signing James Milner set up Gareth Barry for the opener and then delivered the corner that resulted in Carlos Tevez getting a touch on Micah Richards' header to net City's second after half-time.

The only bad news for City was confirmation that Mario Balotelli will be injured for Thursday's Europa League second leg qualifier with Timisoara.