Man Utd and Chelsea are the only two of the five Premier League winners to defend the competition since it started in 1992, while City’s second-placed finish in 2012/13 was considered a “disaster” by Pellegrini when speaking to the BBC yesterday.

City will be hoping for a similar emphatic result on Sunday to spur them on for a second successive title and overcome the Community Shield disappointment.

After a scintillating World Cup summer, Mancunian interests will be turned towards the world’s most lucrative league as rivals City and United gear up for what will be a massive season, in very different respects.

Belgian defender Kompany today confirmed his place at the Etihad until 2019, like Silva yesterday, while Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri have also put pen to paper this summer.

Mangala is City’s sixth buy of the off season as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of their second Premier League title defence in three seasons.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has refused to confirm Joe Hart’s number one spot after Arsenal humbled his side 3-0 in the Community Shield.

Rather than rest on his laurels, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini kicked off the summer transfer rush by adding former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to his squad.

After two league titles in three seasons it is time for the Premier League champions to focus on making a name for themselves in Europe.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder joined the Sky Blues on loan from New York City FC last week after signing with the MLS outfit on a free transfer in July.

City face the emboldened FA Cup winners at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with the Premier League champions hoping a victory over the Gunners at the scene of their Capital One Cup triumph in February will give them the edge.

The 36-year-old midfielder will join City on a six-month loan deal taking him to the start of new club New York City’s MLS season.