Melbourne City officials are tight-lipped, but speculation is mounting that they have got their new coach - and if the rumours are right the Manchester City owned club has turned to bitter rivals Manchester United for inspiration.

The Bundoora-based team is expected to unveil their long term successor to John van 't Schip next week, and would not confirm speculation that the man who has been given the task of making City an A-League challenger is former Manchester United youth and reserve coach Warren Joyce.

Warren Joyce when he was manager of Wigan Athletic in the Premier League. Credit:Gareth Copley

"We don't discuss rumours. We have gone through a lengthy process and we are confident we will appoint the right candidate," a City source said.

Still, the drums are beating loudly that Joyce, aged 52, is the man City will announce.