A rare event: Maresca's selections take Manchester City back to memories of 2008

A striking start for Haaland's team-mates

Manchester City took a fresh approach to their line-up as they opened their 2026-2027 Premier League campaign, with new manager Enzo Maresca handing starts to a clutch of young players.

Their starting XI against Bournemouth on Sunday averaged 25 years and 28 days, the youngest City have fielded on the opening weekend of a Premier League season since 2008-09, according to Opta data.

Mark Hughes went even younger back then. His side to start the 2008-09 season averaged just 22 years and 360 days.

The selection points to a bold plan at the start of the campaign, blending youth with experience.

City kick off the season carrying big ambitions. Their fans want a strong start after the departure of the club's most successful manager, Pep Guardiola, and Maresca's arrival in his place.