What if: Sergio Aguero hadn't scored that goal in the 2011-12 season

Modified Jun 25, 2017 18:48 GMT

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Scorer of the matchwinning goal Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates with the trophy during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — What if??

#2 Mancini would have been sacked

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Manager Roberto Mancini of Manchester City looks dejected in defeat after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium on May 11, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Mancini's position would have been untenable, and the club and the fans would bid him goodbye

Almost four years into the takeover by Abu Dhabi United investment group, City still had just one FA Cup to show for all their wealth. Heading into the final day of 2011-12 season, Mancini's future was by no means a foregone conclusion. Two and half seasons into his reign, patience with Mancini had started to wane; tangible success was crucial to secure his future.

In our story, having bottled their best chance at a league title for decades, Mancini would definitely have been sacked in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. It is not immediately clear who would have replaced him then – perhaps eventual manager Pellegrini would have taken over one year earlier (it is doubtful Guardiola would want to try his hand in the Premier League immediately after his Barcelona stint).

In any case, Mancini's position would have been untenable, and the club and the fans would bid him goodbye.

Edited by Staff Editor