Newly-promoted Blues face a stern test against the Barclays Premier League champions when they play their first fixture back in the top flight on 15th August after finishing runners-up in the Championship.

But City's co-owner is not too concerned about the trip to Old Trafford as he says Sir Alex Ferguson's men have struggled to get out of the blocks in recent years.

"It is a tough start with Manchester United away," said Sullivan.

"Old Trafford is always a difficult place to go but we will go there with plenty of optimism.

"Realistically we are going to be 10-1 to win and they are going to be 5-1 on, but Manchester United have had some slow starts to the season and let's hope that continues next year, so I agree with getting them out of the way.

"Most fans will be looking forward to our third home game of the season when we welcome Aston Villa to St Andrew's. It is a very exciting start to the season.

"I think there is great excitement in Birmingham about the whole season. I don't know what it is but there is a lot more excitement when we have gone up this time as opposed to when we went up two years ago."