City legend Mike Summerbee has kicked off Manchester’s attempt to become a World Cup host in 2018.

Buzzer was joined today in a big-hitting one-two by former Reds and England skipper Bryan Robson at the Town Hall in support of Manchester’s bid document landing at the Football Association.

City and United have joined forces with Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford Borough Council, Marketing Manchester, GMPTE and Manchester Airport to back the city's quest.

The ambitious bid is unusual compared to most submissions because Manchester has two world class stadiums to attract qualifiers, play offs, quarter finals and the possibility of a semi-final.

“To host a World Cup in Manchester would be amazing for supporters no matter who they follow,” reckoned Summerbee.

 “Fans here are extremely knowledgeable but also warm and friendly. We have a history of welcoming others to this great city of ours.”

Blues CEO Garry Cook is also backing the bid 100%.

"The city of Manchester has become synonymous with football in England and throughout the world and we as a club are proud to support the city's bid to become a host venue for the 2018 World Cup,” he declared.

“Both the city and the club have a great deal of experience in hosting world class international sporting fixtures and football fans the world over could expect the very warmest of welcomes from the staff and fans of Manchester City."

Today’s launch was triggered by the bid document submission to the FA and prior to a Football Association delegation visit Manchester on the July 23 to inspect facilities including the City of Manchester Stadium and Old Trafford. These would both be used as venues and potential fanzone sites, which along with the city’s world class accommodation offer would give the event a real festival flavour.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is a global and passionate football city with a successful record of hosting major sporting events.

“We believe we have impeccable credentials to welcome the World Cup and the fans of all nations it will attract.

“Manchester has a strong, low risk case and a very cost effective offer to support the World Cup - we already have great infrastructure, but public support is also key to demonstrate our fanatical football spirit.  I’d encourage anyone who would like to see the World Cup in Manchester to back our bid and register on the website. Your pledge can give us the edge.

“Not only will the World Cup boost the city’s economy it will also energise the city region.  Manchester will be a beacon and once again prove it can not only deliver world class events but exceed all expectations.” 

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, the agency charged with promoting the city on a national and international stage added: “Bringing an event of this magnitude to the city cannot be underestimated. Munich was one of the host cities in 2006 and it saw an economic benefit of almost £80 million. That’s an incredible amount of money, and when you couple it with the long-term benefits, like an increased profile on the world stage, it’s an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss.”

England is bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup and 15 cities, including Manchester, are vying for the prize of hosting games. The FA will decide in December which cities will be named as hosts within its bid.

Greater Manchester residents and everyone who has links with the city are being encouraged to register their support via a special pledge website at www.manchesterworldsport.com