An interesting analysis of how Sneijder would fit in at City (versus how he might fit in at United).
http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/toy8u...ey-Sneijder-Manchester-United-Manchester-City
The relevant bits about City are:
Sneijder vs City's Attacking Midfielders
While United's analysed options all supplied over 2 key passes per game, only David Silva managed the feat for Man City last term, with Sneijder's 2.9 dwarfing Mancini's attacking middle man from last season's figure, with Toure averaging 1.1. Where 3 United players managed 10 assists or more last season, Silva again led the way for City with 7, with Sneijder's figure of 5 more aligned to Mancini's men’s totals.
City's tendency to play short passing football is highlighted in the stats with only Toure completing over 3 long passes per game, compared to Sneijder's 4.8. The Dutchman's average of 0.6 through balls per game also leads the way, along with a figure of 1.2 successful crosses per game, with no City player here averaging over 1. The figures show that Sneijder would add a range of distribution unparalleled by any of the Citizen's ranks, indicating that he could prove to be a more valuable capture to Roberto Mancini.
City Not So Slickers
Mancini has picked up a reputation for adopting a somewhat 'Italian style' of measured football, building his side from a solid defensive unit. The club's consistent spending has led to a somewhat disjointed attacking line-up, highlighted by their lack of performance in the Community Shield, despite taking a 2-0 lead. The constant influx of new blood has led to criticisms of lacking team unity, and they were certainly outfoxed by a young United line-up in the second half of Sunday's encounter. Mancini's men lacked a creative force from central positions and Sneijder epitomises the phrase.
Where United perhaps lack numbers, City are particularly strong. With Sneijder's fellow Dutchman Nigel De Jong protecting an already reliable back four, the blue's attacking options are afforded the chance to thrive, as Sneijder is in the national side. Yaya Toure played well in an attacking midfield position for much of last season having been utilized as a defence minded option at Barcelona beforehand, and could prove to be a perfect partner for to diminutive De Jong in a City double pivot.
Formation Implications
Pushing leggy Ivorian Toure back alongside De Jong, whilst allowing him the option to support attacks, would accommodate for any move for Sneijder. However, any such transfer is hugely dependant on the future of Carlos Tevez, who has been joined at Eastlands by compatriot Sergio Aguero this summer. It is fair to say that neither Mario Balotelli nor Edin Dzeko have lived up to their price tags as yet, and both are likely to play second fiddle to the club's new Argentine.
With Silva and either Johnson, Balotelli or Milner adding width, Sneijder could revel in behind the free-scoring Aguero at City and would slot in with far less detriment to the original set-up than he would at United.
