Enzo Maresca had predicted Phil Foden would score, and he did score. For much of Foden's career that would scarcely have seemed an outlandish prediction. Not now. Foden's had struck 27 times for Manchester City alone in 2023-24. Yet when Ipswich arrived at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, his drought spanned 35 games for City, plus two for England that may have cost him a place at the World Cup.
But there are two Fodens. Maresca remembered the teenage prodigy, the player who had won the individual awards, the seeming generational talent before he became the goal-shy City substitute. "With Phil I said many times, I know him from years ago, for me he's one of the best Premier League players," said the City manager, who had worked with Foden in his previous times at the Etihad Stadium. "And since day one it's my duty to help him to again be one of the best players."
That process got off to something of a false start. By the time City kicked off against Ipswich Foden had, in effect, sat out four-and-three-quarter games. His first-half red card in the Manchester derby was followed by a three-match domestic suspension. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Even before being banned, he had been usurped, and under successive managers. In first Pep Guardiola's valedictory season and then Maresca's first in charge, Rayan Cherki has been the No 10 who has starred and sparkled. Foden has provided less magic. Perhaps it says something for the luxuries Maresca enjoys that Foden has felt the more prosaic player in his position.
Perhaps it is an added complication, too, that in Enzo Fernandez he has costly competition emerging, with the £125m signing spending the second half against PSG operating as the most advanced of the midfield trio. A lesson of that defeat may be that, against elite opposition, Maresca requires both Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson to anchor the midfield, perhaps meaning Fernandez is the most advanced of the trio.

#perhaps #enzo #phil

Bayern Munich were not interested in signing Manchester City attacker Rayan Cherki during the summer transfer window.
Cherki joined Man City in the summer of 2025 and has registered 13 goals and 18 ***** ists across all competitions.
The Frenchman has produced some eye-catching displays already in the 2026-27 campaign, scoring two goals and providing two ***** ists.
In recent weeks, rumours have been circulating that Bayern were interested in signing Cherki.
Christian Falk has exclusively told CFBayern Insider that Bayern were never interested in signing Cherki during the summer window.

#cherki #summer

Manchester City open their Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, with Enzo Maresca taking charge of a European fixture for the club for the first time.
City arrive on the back of three straight Premier League wins, though a three-day turnaround before Sunday's Manchester derby is likely to shape his selection.
Porto have never beaten City in a competitive meeting, but their unbeaten start to the season and vociferous home support make the Estádio do Dragão an awkward opening ******* ignment.
Nico O'Reilly is a serious doubt for Tuesday's trip to Portugal after suffering a back injury in the warm-up before Saturday's win over Coventry City, forcing Enzo Fernandez into an unplanned full debut. Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with the calf problem that has kept him out of City's opening three Premier League fixtures.
Iliman Ndiaye was withdrawn in the 87th minute of his own debut with cramp, though the issue is not considered serious and he should be available for selection. With O'Reilly a doubt and Doku out, Maresca's options in wide areas are reduced to Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Antoine ******* yo.

#three #manchester #Porto

Manchester City have won 1-0 today against stubborn Coventry City side at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. A Erling Haaland header in the 26th minute was just enough for City make it three wins from three matches to start the new Premier League season.
When the starting lineups were announced, Enzo Maresca had made only one change to the starting lineup which dispatched Crystal Palace 4-1 last weekend. Iliman Ndiaye replaced Phil Foden in the starting lineup as the Senegalese international made his Premier League debut from the start today. Enzo Fernandez was on the bench for today's game. However, that changed 15 minutes before kickoff. Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury in the warm up and Enzo Fernandez replaced him in Manchester City's starting lineup.
Manchester City began the game dominating possession, however it was Coventry City who should have taken the lead inside the opening eight minutes. First, Abdukodir Khusanov played a ball back to Gianluigi Donnarumma on his own goal line. The Italian had a poor first touch which almost trickled over the goal line to give Frank Lampard's side the lead in the 6th minute.
However, two minutes later, Coventry City should have taken the lead. Antoine ****** yo played a dangerous ball from the right into midfield which Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi intercepted. Awoniyi surged clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat. But he fired his shot wide of the post with Gianluigi Donnarumma rushing out to save his team's blushes. Taiwo Awoniyi's chance was a clear warning shot to Enzo Maresca's side that today's match wouldn't be a walk in the park.
Manchester City's first shot on target would arrive in the 16th minute. Elliot Anderson was fouled in midfield and he quickly took the free kick and set free Rayan Cherki. Cherki surged into ****** e and played in Erling Haaland with a quality through ball. Haaland fired in a powerful low drive from inside the Coventry penalty area across goal which Coventry City keeper Carl Rushworth got down well to save.

#city #haaland #first #side

Rayan Cherki has been nominated for the Guinness Goal of the Month for August.
Our French playmaker scored a quite wonderful individual effort away to Crystal Palace, beating several defenders with his exquisite close control before poking the ball past Dean Henderson.
Already surely a contender for the goal of the season, Rayan is up against Emerson of Ipswich Town, Nilson Angulo of Sunderland, Keane Lewis-Potter and Kevin Schade of Brentford, Newcastle duo Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga plus Chelsea's Cole Palmer
Voting is now open and the winner will be announced at 1pm on 11 September.
VOTE CHERKI FOR GOAL OF THE MONTH AWARD!

#palace

The Premier League weekend was not short of talking points and discussion.
Newcastle's new manager has made an immediate impact despite difficulties off the pitch, whileArsenal have already shown that the champions will take some stopping. Here are five of the biggest questions and themes to emerge from weekend's Premier League action.
Rayan Cherki's stock took a slight hit during the summer. There were reports of tension and frustration within the France squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his limited playing time, while an Amazon documentary revealed how Manchester City's team had gambled on the Frenchman despite negative feedback on his mentality.
City took that gamble and have been repaid ever since. Cherki was superb last season, recording 12 **** ists in the Premier League, and has started the new season on fire. He **** isted twice in the opening win over Bournemouth, and scored twice himself as Crystal Palace were put to the sword on Friday night.
The 23-year-old is a special talent and capable of unlocking any game. Maresca must coax that from him on a regular basis and give him the platform to become Kevin De Bruyne's heir.

#twice

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 last night at Selhurst Park with a good performance that was filled with plenty of positives. One of those was the performance of Phil Foden. Foden endured a frustrating opening half-hour in last night's match. However, he overcame that to put in a performance that helped his team make it back-to-back wins to start their 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Manchester City took the lead last night in the 17th minute courtesy of a sublime header from Erling Haaland which came from an Antoine ******* yo cross. Following that goal, Phil Foden had two chances to double Manchester City's lead. He squandered the first in the 21st minute after being set free by Elliot Anderson after City played through the Crystal Palace defence. Foden inexplicably fired over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy. Six minutes later, Foden failed to get sufficient contact on a header from close range after being set up by Rayan Cherki.
For a player who is striving to get back to his best, it was going to be a question of how Foden responded to those chances going by the wayside. Come the final whistle, the answer was emphatic as Phil Foden put in a performance that showed he was getting back to his best.
At times last night, Crystal Palace couldn't live with Manchester City's attacking interplay and fluidity. Phil Foden was at the heart of that. Foden combined superbly well with Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki from the right wing. You could see the confidence growing in Phil Foden as last night's match progressed. He was gliding around the pitch and his touch and passing was on point. He also grabbed an ******* ist when he played the ball to Rayan Cherki to do the rest to score his first goal of the evening. However, the best came late on from Foden.
Erling Haaland would seal Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace when he scored the fourth goal in City's 4-1 win in the 84th minute. Haaland's powerful near post finish came via an ******* ist from Phil Foden. It was that moment that was the crowning moment of Foden's night. It was also one that showed that Phil Foden is getting back to his best.

#last #back

Enzo Maresca hailed Rayan Cherki's "unbelievable" performance in Manchester City's 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Friday.
City boss Maresca admitted Cherki was frustrated to be left out of the starting line-up for last weekend's 2-1 win against Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.
The France midfielder responded to the snub in emphatic style.
He came off the bench to provide a pair of **** ists against Bournemouth and seized his chance to start at Selhurst Park with a masterful display that underlined his qualities.
The 23-year-old bagged a brace after an own goal from City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had cancelled out Erling Haaland's opener in rainy south London.

#bournemouth #crystal

Rayan Cherki attributed his first of two sublime goals in the 4-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace to pure instinct.
Match Report
Erling Haaland's looping header had us ahead at Selhurst Park after 17 minutes, maintaining his remarkable record of scoring every time he's faced the Eagles in the league.
We doubled our lead in sensational fashion as Cherki showed incredible balance, agility and ball control to wriggle away from numerous Palace challenges before deftly flicking into the bottom corner.
GALLERY: CHERKI STARS AT SELHURST PARK!

#palace #selhurst #rayan #report

Manchester City faced off against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a positive result on the road in the Premier League. The Mancunian giants made a quick start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 17th minute thanks to Erling Haaland's goal. Enzo Maresca's men went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Rayan Cherki doubled his team's advantage in the 54th minute. However, Crystal Palace got a goal back due to an unfortunate own goal from Gianluigi Donnarumma just a couple of minutes later. Cherki struck again in the 59th minute before Haaland killed the game off in the 84th minute. The match ended with Man City earning a dominant 4-1 win away from home.
Let's take a look at how each Manchester City player fared during the clash against the Eagles.
Donnarumma failed to make a save at the back and couldn't do much about Yeremy Pino's free-kick.
RB: Abdukodir Khusanov – 7/10

#city #goal #palace #cherki

When the Manchester City starting lineup was announced prior to City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday, it did appear that Nico O'Reilly, Rico Lewis, and Elliot Anderson would form City's midfield. However, that was not the case. Rico Lewis lined up at right-back, with Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol starting in defence. Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, and Marc Guehi formed Manchester City's midfield. A criticism of Manchester City's play in the four preseason matches they played before yesterday's match was how open their midfield was. By starting Guehi and Anderson together, Enzo Maresca addressed this issue. Guehi put in a strong display in midfield, which fully justified Maresca's decision to play Guehi in City's engine room.
Manchester City have one of the elite centre-backs in the Premier League in Marc Guehi. Guehi has quickly established himself as an important player for his team since signing for the club from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Yesterday he once again showed his importance to Enzo Maresca's side, albeit in a completely different role.
Marc Guehi played in midfield yesterday. To his credit, he looked right at home in his new role. Guehi was good on possession, and he did get himself in the right positions out of possession. Typically, when a centre-back plays in midfield, they look clunky. Guehi was the exact opposite yesterday. He was integral to City's possession dominance, and his pairing with Elliot Anderson and then Mateo Kovacic was crucial to City's win.
Marc Guehi was a threat going forward at times yesterday, especially in the second half. He should have scored just after halftime when he missed a header from two yards out five minutes after halftime. Guehi did create one great opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 75th minute as he showed that he knew when to get forward. Eventually, Guehi got his goal in the 84th minute when he headed home a Rayan Cherki corner.
Come the final whistle, Geuhi had put in an brilliant all-around display in midfield and he fully vindicated Maresca's decision to start him in midfield.

#manchester

Manchester City left it late to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign in the right fashion. Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the 26th minute. Enzo Maresca's side squandered several gilt-edged chances before they finally found their equalizer through Marc Guehi in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol scored the winner in the 91st minute. Rayan Cherki set up both of City's late goals. When Manchester City needed more creativity and someone to unlock Bournemouth's defence, it was Cherki who provided his team with the inspiration that they needed.
Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday's match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.
After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca's side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.
It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City's late goals. Cherki's inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki's close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol's late winner.
Enzo Maresca turned to Rayan Cherki to give his team the creative lift they needed. The French international did exactly that. Alongside Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Maresca's substitutions were bang on yesterday and helped his team claim the three points they so desperately wanted.

#cherki #manchester #late

Match Report
Marcus Tavernier slotted the visitors ahead shortly before the half-hour mark against the run of play.
Maresca's side remained calm and continued to dominate possession, but were met by a resolute Bournemouth backline.
After 84 minutes, substitute Rayan Cherki's corner was met by the head of Marc Guéhi to level the encounter.
GALLERY: MAGICAL CHERKI PICKS OFF CHERRIES!

#match #report #tavernier #gallery

Manchester City usher in the post-Guardiola era by hosting Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Will the Citizens bounce back after their heavy defeat to ******* nal in the Community Shield?
Today's match in Manchester will be played with the following confirmed lineups:
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, ******* yo, Foden, Haaland
Cherki, Grealish and Nunes are waiting for their chance on the bench.

#guardiola #bournemouth

Manchester City open their Premier League season at home to Bournemouth with one immediate problem, Jeremy Doku is out. The Belgian went off at half-time in the Community Shield and the expectation is that a calf injury will rule him out for several weeks. For Enzo Maresca, that means changes straight away.
The basic shape stays the same. The details change. Erling Haaland leads the line, as expected, but the three behind him now need reworking. Phil Foden looks set to move from the No10 role to the right, Antoine **** yo shifts over to the left, and Rayan Cherki gets the central attacking berth.
Photo IMAGO
Doku gives City directness, pace and a one v one threat few can match. Without him, the attack becomes more technical and more dependent on combinations. That may suit Cherki, who is at his best receiving between the lines, and it gives Foden a familiar wide starting point before drifting infield.
Jack Grealish is the wildcard. He did well after replacing Doku last time out, but his position remains uncertain while questions over his future continue. He may be involved, he may not. Right now, the safer call is caution.

#right #manchester

As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.

#city #manchester #midfield #season

This week has been dominated by players either leaving Manchester City or edging closer to an exit from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have left City this week. Savinho is on the verge of completing his 'dream' move to Tottenham. There is also the real possibility that Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez could also depart City before the transfer window closes. Om top of that, Enzo Maresca's side was well beaten by **** nal 3-0 in the FA Community Shield last Sunday. All of these factors combined have seemingly dampened the excitement of a new season beginning.
However, this Sunday the Enzo Maresca era officially gets underway against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. City will begin a new Premier League season at home. That is an exciting moment in itself. Despite the fact that players have left Manchester City this week and will do before the transfer window closes, Enzo Maresca has enough to work with to ensure that the early stages of the 2026-27 season can begin on a positive note.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola put the building blocks in place for the next era at Manchester City. Building team spirit and teaching the players City hope will continue Guardiola's legacy how to win trophies was the final act of Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager. Those lessons will now look to be carried over by Enzo Maresca.
The Enzo Maresca era didn't get off to the best start last weekend. Maresca's first official match in charge ended in a chastening 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Whether or not the Community Shield is an official match or a glorified friendly is a matter of personal opinion. What isn't in dispute is the manner of City's defeat and the departures of key players or impending departures of others have taken focus off a new Premier League season starting this weekend.
Putting all of that aside, Manchester City take on Bournemouth this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. In terms of what starting eleven Enzo Maresca could select, he has plenty of quality options to choose from. A possible starting eleven of Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, O'Reilly, Foden, Cherki, **** yo, and Erling Haaland is packed with quality. That seems to have been forgotten throughout this week.

#city #enzo #manchester #sunday

It has been revealed that Jeremy Doku sustained a calf injury as Manchester City fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to ******* nal in the FA Community Shield. Belgian publication Nieuwsblad reports that Doku will miss Manchester City's first Premier League fixture of the 2026-27 season against Bournemouth due to the injury he sustained. It is also expected that Doku will face a delayed start to the new season. Enzo Maresca will have to find a solution to the issue that Doku's absence creates against Bournemouth. However, the solution does seem obvious.
If Jeremy Doku were fully fit, it would be expected that he'd start on the left wing for Manchester City against Bournemouth. Antoine ******* yo would likely start on the right. With Doku ruled out of the match, it would be expected that ******* yo would move over to the left wing. That would open up a spot on the right wing.
Looking at the options that Enzo Maresca can use on the right wing against Bournemouth, Rayan Cherki is the clear standout. Cherki played on the right wing last season and he drifts out there when playing through the middle. Enzo Maresca's side relies on creativity from out wide to create chances. Cherki is by far and away the obvious player to slot in on the right wing to allow ******* yo to play on the left wing to cater for Jeremy Doku's absence against Bournemouth. In fact, it is such an obvious solution to the issue Maresca faces with Jeremy Doku injured that it would be a major surprise if he went in another direction.
One option that Maresca may consider is playing Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left wing with ******* yo on the right. Ait-Nouri did play on the left wing throughout Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia and he did score two goals. So that idea could be in play. Savinho is unlikely to feature due to illness and his desire for a summer transfer. At this point, he is likely not an option for Enzo Maresca to consider. It would be a shock if Jack Grealish started against Bournemouth.
However, having considered the possibility of Rayan Ait-Nouri starting on the left wing, that option wouldn't offer the threat of Rayan Cherki on the right wing and ******* yo on the left. The solution to Doku's absence through injury this weekend seems obvious. It will be interesting to see if Maresca chooses that option or has another up his sleeve with the squad he has available for Manchester City's opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.

#wing #doku #maresca #right

Manchester City are blessed to have two elite options to play in the number ten role in their squad. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are excellent in the role and both figure to play prominent roles for Enzo Maresca throughout the 2026-27 season. Phil Foden started in the role across Manchester City's three preseason friendlies. He started again yesterday as City suffered a 3-0 defeat to ***** nal in the FA Community Shield. Cherki replaced him on the hour-mark. Phil Foden has a full preseason behind him, while Rayan Cherki only returned to City last Wednesday after his World Cup duties with France. Looking at who should start in the number ten role for Enzo Maresca's side, Rayan Cherki should be the favourite.
Earlier this summer, Phil Foden signed a contract extension with Manchester City. It is clear that City have full faith in the England international. Foden remains an important player for his team. He has gotten to work after a difficult 2024-25 season and seen a drop off last season after he began the 2025-26 season brightly. After missing out on selection in England's World Cup squad, Phil Foden should benefit from a full preseason working with Enzo Maresca and his teammates.
However, Foden's form over the three friendlies Manchester City have played and in yesterday's FA Community Shield fixture against ***** nal has been patchy. There have been flashes of quality shown by Foden. On other occasions he looks like a player still battling to return to his best. That is to be expected given how far back Phil Foden is coming back from in terms of his form.
If you were looking at who is more likely to start in the number ten role next weekend against Bournemouth in Manchester City's opening Premier League fixture and to begin the 2026-27 season, perhaps Phil Foden is the favourite. However, he does face stiff competition for that role from Rayan Cherki.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a frustrating experience for Rayan Cherki. He spent the majority of the tournament on the periphery of the French squad due to the vast array of attacking talent at Didier Deschamps' disposal. That disappointment could fuel Cherki to take his game to another level to avoid such disappointment in the future.

#foden #manchester #World

Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor
Team news is in for this afternoon's FA Community Shield in Cardiff, with the headline news being that both Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson are in the starting XI for Manchester City.
Arsenal also named a full-strength starting side, featuring Gabriel as well as Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Raya, White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Caliafori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Madueke, Tzolis, Madueke. Subsititues: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Gyökeres.
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Kovačic, Anderson, ****** yo, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Guéhi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.

#anderson

Newcastle United are in the middle of what looks like a hard reset. Matthias Jaissle has arrived, Eddie Howe has gone, and the squad has already been shaken by major exits. Sandro Tonali is gone, Anthony Gordon is gone, and Bruno Guimaraes appears to be next with a £75m move to **** nal nearing completion. That is not routine churn, it is structural change.
In that context, the report from FussballDaten linking Newcastle with Bilal El Khannouss makes sense. This is not about chasing a fashionable name for the sake of it. It is about finding players who can help shape a different side under a different coach.
El Khannouss is 21, technically sharp, mobile and already familiar with English football after his spell at Leicester City in 2024/25. He then moved to Stuttgart, initially on loan, and did enough to make that switch permanent in May. Nine goals in 41 appearances from attacking midfield is solid output, especially in a team where he still had to adapt quickly.
Photo IMAGO
The key detail in the report is Newcastle's internal view. Their scouts reportedly believe he has the physical tools and technical level for the Premier League. That matters more than broad stylistic comparisons. Yes, he has been described as being "very similar to Rayan Cherki", but recruitment departments should be interested in function, not slogans.

#united #matthias

Manchester City are set to take on the K-League All Stars in their next pre-season friendly on Wednesday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The Premier League champions are only just getting underway with their preparations under new head coach Enzo Maresca, with a clear focus on building fitness levels and integrating the squad. Their first match of the Asia tour came on August 1 in Hong Kong, where they drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in normal time before going on to lose 3-1 on penalties. The upcoming clash in Seoul will be just their second game of the summer.
City are expected to name a heavily rotated and experimental lineup for this high-profile encounter, combining established names with young academy talents.
Maresca has been boosted by the return of Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, and Omar Marmoush to the travelling squad, and all three players are likely to get some minutes on the pitch.
However, several key first-team players are still unavailable due to extended breaks following international duty, including Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, Marc Guéhi, Rayan Cherki, and Elliot Anderson.

#league

The smell of rain, cheap beer, and hot pies floods through the concourse at the Etihad Stadium after a 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Galatasaray, just as it did nearly 60 years ago.
Oasis are playing, probably the record-breaking guitar solo on Live Forever or perhaps something heavier like Cigarettes and Alcohol, and fans are walking out of the stadium pleased after a brilliant first 30 minutes saw Erling Haaland break his five-game goal drought and Rayan Cherki add a second.
All senses convey the synchronicity of City's second-ever English ****** le win in 1968, when Neil Young scored a brace alongside goals from Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee to earn a close-knit win over Newcastle United, and ****** the ****** le from rivals Manchester United.
Back then, a backdrop of dense, soot-stained slums swallowed the beauty of Manchester, but it was still alive in spirit, and life in the 60s was about the internal rather than the external.
The Beatles, only 35 miles down the M62, released one of the most popular songs in history: "Hey Jude", changing music forever; there would often be "mums" of the street, where everyone cared for one another, and children would be all over the place, swinging from lampposts or kicking footballs in alleyways.

Everyone thought France would crush Spain. They were counting on Kylian Mbappe and that flashy attack to blow the doors off. Wrong. The reality on the pitch was a total shocker. Spain didn’t just match them; they outsmarted them completely. France’s big threats? Totally neutralized by a smarter, hungrier Spanish squad.
Spain showed the world something huge today. Luis de la Fuente called his squad the best team on the planet. His words carried weight after that dominant 2-0 victory. Think about that for a second. This win proves a collective unit can beat a group of individual stars. It’s not about who you have. It’s about how they play together.
The French lineup looked toothless despite the global superstars on the roster. They threw Rayan Cherki into the mix, but it made zero difference. Spain controlled the game from the first whistle to the last. Their strategy worked perfectly against a team full of famous names. And here’s the kicker: They didn’t even break a sweat doing it.
France hoped their stars would do the damage if Mbappe didn’t score. They looked to Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola for goals. Desire Doue also played, but the French attack failed completely. Not great. They couldn’t find any way to break through the Spanish defense. It was a wall, plain and simple.
Patrick Vieira, a former World Cup winner for France, admitted the truth. He told ITV that Spain dominated the game in every single aspect. Spain circulated the ball with their usual composure throughout the match. They moved France around and opened gaps to exploit them easily. Classic misdirection. Vieira knows a thing or two about winning big.

In a recent report, El Intransigente stated that Sunderland are expected to move in for River Plate midfielder Matias Galarza this summer. It is understood that the Black Cats are eyeing a move to bring the Paraguay international to the Stadium of Light this off-season.
Galarza enjoyed a solid loan spell at the MLS club as he put in a series of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. The 24-year-old made 13 appearances for Atlanta United last season across all fronts.
The Paraguay international is currently among the most talented midfielders in his homeland. Thus, Sunderland would do well to lure him to the Stadium of Light this off-season.
His current contract at his parent club, River Plate, will expire at the end of 2028, which could make it tough for the Black Cats to sign him on the cheap later this year.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Rayan Cherki #24 of France battles for the ball against Matías Galarza #23 of Paraguay during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

A very different side of France came to the fore, proving they are not mere showboaters, there is plenty of steel, grit and determination among the ranks. It was a brutal encounter as they became targets for Paraguay, who added menace to the low block. No one in blue retreated to the shadows, instead taking the overaggression head on, using it as fuel. “To anyone who wants to go to war with us, this is what you should expect,” Rayan Cherki said. It was the biggest test they have faced this far but intimidation tactics do not work, it transpires, leaving everyone else wondering how to stop them.
Goals win matches but defences win championships. It is five games without conceding and La Roja had little trouble keeping Portugal quiet, thanks to fine organisation at the back and the diligence of those carrying out instructions. Another trait of champions is players making a difference off the bench; Mikel Merino was the matchwinner, combining with two other substitutes to supply the deadly blow. “I want to express the importance of the substitutes who came in later in the game,” Luis de la Fuente said. “Not just today, but the contribution in other games has been enormous.”
Lionel Messi’s dreams were in disarray, heading out with a shock defeat looming against Egypt after a wasted penalty. This was not the way it was supposed to end for the holders – and it didn’t. Champions do not go down without a fight. Three goals in 13 minutes produced a glorious turnaround engineered through a mix of determination and quality, as the captain produced a goal and ****** ist. Lionel Scaloni and Messi were in tears at full-time because this means so much to them. “Whatever happens from here on, this team gives me the feeling that it never stops believing, even when everything is going against it,” Scaloni said.
If the Three Lions arrived in the last 16 below par, the helter-skelter victory in the Azteca Stadium was enough to instil the belief that this team has got something about it. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane grabbed the headlines but this was a team effort, from the wonder saves of Jordan Pickford to the crucial blocks by substitute Dan Burn. Surviving with 10 men for an extended period was evidence of a resilient group, made more impressive as they had to cope inside a cauldron packed with more than 80,000 people desperate for them to lose.
Three of the four shots on target against Canada found the back of the net. It was a clinical performance, gloriously efficient from a side able to adapt to circumstances. The head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has made the team more progressive and attacking but a greater level of pragmatism was implemented to knock out the co-hosts. “We are no longer a surprise,” Ouahbi admitted, but considering they can mix up their styles means they do possess something of the unexpected and they will require that – and more – against France.

While Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola share similar footballing philosophies, life will be different at Manchester City with Maresca as the manager. One such difference between the pair is the size of the squad that each manager wants to operate with. Pep Guardiola preferred to work with a smaller squad to maintain performance and team harmony. Sam Lee has reported for The Athletic that Maresca would prefer to work with a bigger squad than Guardiola.
With that in mind, could Enzo Maresca’s demands hand several players a lifeline to resurrect their Manchester City careers? Perhaps it could depending on what role and position Maresca wants them to play.
Looking at the Manchester City squad, there are four players who could earn a lifeline of sorts from Enzo Maresca. Those four are Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford. There is a case for each to play a more prominent role under Maresca.
In the case of Nico Gonzalez, there is a vacancy in midfield with Bernardo Silva having left the club. Yes, City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. They also remain in the market for another midfielder. Also, Rodri is set to have a delayed start to next season. That could be Nico’s lifeline if City do not sign another midfielder. The other factor is that Nico Gonzalez will get the pre season to impress Maresca unless he secures a summer transfer.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rico Lewis could also potentially fight for a role in Manchester City’s midfield. Reijnders may be a player that Maresca could use. Reijnders’ ability to score goals from midfield could be an attribute that Maresca values. However, the Dutch international would have to fight Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki for minutes you would ****** ume. Rico Lewis has always looked to be a midfielder rather than a right-back. Could he play in midfield under Maresca? Perhaps he could but his size in the physical Premier League counts against him.

Elliot Anderson may have cost Manchester City considerably months before they agreed to make him the most expensive British footballer ever. When he last played at the Etihad Stadium, in March, he let fly from 25 yards. A crisp, clean strike earned Nottingham Forest an unexpected point. Perhaps City would not have won the **** le anyway, but the loss of two gave them less leeway in the run-in.
Now Anderson forms a £116m statement of intent in their bid to regain their crown and begin Enzo Maresca's reign as the Premier League's greatest force. The World Cup has illustrated some of the reasons to buy him, beyond simply getting one of Manchester United's transfer targets. Anderson has the passing range, over both short and long distances, the athleticism to cover ground, the ability to operate as both a No 6 and a No 8. In a tournament when few England players beyond Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have excelled, he has.
But while the fee is in keeping with the current midfield market, it is astonishing nonetheless. City are huge spenders in one respect, but not another. Their previous club record buy – Jack Grealish, for £100m that really was not well spent at all – was an outlier. Nearly all of their outstanding pieces of business in Pep Guardiola's decade in charge came for between £30m and £65m. Rayan Cherki, last summer, was near the bottom of that scale, even Erling Haaland not at the top. Guardiola's preferred midfield axis in his valedictory season consisted of two of his greatest buys, Rodri and Bernardo Silva. Their combined cost was less than Anderson's, even though the Spaniard was a club record purchase when he joined.
Anderson is a history-maker in one respect. In another, he could have company. There will be at least five £100m men in Premier League midfields next season, unless Enzo Fernandez gets his wish of a move to Real Madrid: Sandro Tonali is going to Tottenham for £100m, Fernandez and Moises Caicedo had a combined cost rising to £222m for Chelsea and **** nal had to fork out £105m for Declan Rice, who is now one of two £100m men in Thomas Tuchel's midfield.
The chorus from the Gunners fans has been that "we got him half price". And if not true, it is nevertheless the case that, so far, only Rice of the midfielders who came at a ground-breaking cost has succeeded. The driving force in **** nal's first Premier League triumph in 22 years, a man who powered them to a Champions League final, a talisman and a great all-rounder, Rice has been a game-changer of a buy.

Rayan Cherki’s (22) frustration over his limited playing time at the World Cup is growing, according to a report from L’Équipe. Despite arriving at the tournament following an excellent debut season with Manchester City, the 22-year-old has played just 55 minutes across four substitute appearances for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Cherki has struggled with the situation behind the scenes, even suffering sleepless nights, although those close to the player insist he understands the fierce competition for places in France’s star-studded attack, with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise all stealing the headlines at one point or another during the tournament thus far.
Footage of the playmaker appearing to ignore Deschamps after the 3-0 victory over Sweden fuelled speculation of a rift, but his entourage maintain the reaction reflected disappointment with himself rather than disrespect towards the head coach. Senior figures including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram are supporting the OL academy product, reassuring him that his opportunity will come as Les Bleus prepare to face Paraguay in the Round of 16.
GFFN | Liam Wraith

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets under way on Thursday 11 June, with 17 City players chasing football's ultimate prize.
Representing 12 different nations across three separate continents, only German champions Bayern Munich have a larger representation this summer in Canada, Mexico and the United States among their active squad.
James Trafford, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly have each made the England squad - our largest representation this summer - with the Three Lions looking to improve on semi-final and quarter-final exits in the past two tournaments.
European Champions Spain and 2022 runners-up France go in as two of the pre-tournament favourites, with Rodri and Rayan Cherki both sure to make their mark this summer.
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