Who is the greatest Manchester City manager of all time?

From the swinging sixties to the Guardiola era, Manchester City's history spans brilliant mavericks and tactical masterminds. Which manager left the deepest mark on the club that became the most dominant force in English football?

Pep Guardiola

Spanish tactician who transformed City into a global superpower, winning 6 Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League, and 15+ trophies between 2016 and 2026.

1/12

Joe Mercer

Beloved manager of the late 1960s who led City to the league title in 1968, plus the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup.

2/12

Roberto Mancini

Italian manager who ended City's 44-year wait for the English league title with a last-second 2012 championship, also winning the 2011 FA Cup.

3/12

Manuel Pellegrini

Chilean manager who guided City to the 2014 Premier League title and two League Cups, serving as the bridge into the modern trophy era.

4/12

Kevin Keegan

Charismatic manager who stabilized Manchester City in the early 2000s, gaining promotion to the Premier League and providing top-half finishes.

5/12

Tony Book

Former captain turned manager who led City through the mid-1970s, capturing the League Cup in 1976 and developing promising young talent.

6/12

Malcolm Allison

Visionary tactician who co-managed the club during the golden Mercer era, later returning solo and known for flamboyant personality and bold tactics.

7/12

Mark Hughes

Former City player who managed the club from 2008–2009, helping transition the squad in the early months of Abu Dhabi ownership with notable signings.

8/12

Peter Reid

Gritty midfielder-turned-manager who kept City afloat in the early 1990s, eventually losing his job after a run of poor results but stabilizing the club.

9/12

Stuart Pearce

Passionate former defender who managed City from 2005–2007, developing youth talent and keeping the club competitive on a limited budget.

10/12

Sven-Göran Eriksson

Swedish manager who became the first high-profile appointment under the new Thaksin era, finishing ninth in 2007–08 with some eye-catching results.

11/12

Billy McNeill

Celtic legend who had two spells at City during the 1980s, guiding the club through relegation and back up without major resources.

12/12