Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne is backing Stuart Pearce to be a success as Manchester City manager providing the club's board can provide funds to strengthen his squad.

The City captain launched an outspoken attack on some of the club's new arrivals a couple of months ago, claiming they had taken too long to settle into life with the Eastlands outfit.

Dunne's stinging criticism was taken as an indirect swipe at Pearce, whose transfer record questionable and whose position has become the subject of increasing debate.

And, no matter how current takeover talks proceed, Dunne is convinced Pearce can lead City into a bright new era providing the funds are found to help push them there.

"If someone else takes over the club, it is obviously up to them but if they look back at the last three months, they will see the manager has done well," he said.

"Generally, our results have been really good and if we can get through the final two games undefeated, we will have lost only three of our last 11 matches.

"I think everyone knows we need investment on the playing side. But if the manager can get that, and bring a couple of players in, there is every reason to be optimistic.

"We are not a million miles away from being successful and given our nucleus of young players is among the best in the country, we can feel positive about the future."

Although there were complaints Dunne's attack had split the City dressing room, it appears his words have had the desired effect.

City quickly moved from a club teetering on the brink of relegation to one firmly cemented in mid-table. And, while their home form is dubious Dunne feels the reaction justified his outburst.

"At that stage, we looked like we were never going to reach 40 points," he said.  "I felt we needed to buck our ideas up for the last two or three months.

"If any of the players thought I was talking about them at least they have taken it in the right way. Everyone has mucked in and the effort and performance levels have gone up a lot."

The one notable exception is Joey Barton faces leaving the club  in the summer following his vicious assault on Ousmane Dabo in training on Tuesday.

Coming so quickly after his own, even more forthright verdict on his underperforming team-mates, Barton finds himself isolated.

And while Dunne accepts the England midfielder's presence will be missed against the United, he also believes the remaining members of the City squad are united.

"Obviously not having Joey makes a difference but these things do happen," he said. "The team spirit is fine and our preparations have not been affected. Now it is up to us to go out and prove we are together."