Manchester City Daily News Roundup
City’s derby absentees: Marmoush at AFCON, Dias hamstring, Gvardiol tibial fracture, Stones thigh, Savinho out 6-8 weeks, Bobb nearing return, Kovacic ankle issue. No suspensions for United trip.
FPL quirk: managers who owned Semenyo at Bournemouth now have four Man City assets post-transfer. You can keep four until your next transfer, which must sell one City player.
Rayan Ait-Nouri returned from AFCON and impressed off the bench vs Newcastle, combining with Cherki and Semenyo for City’s late second. With O’Reilly tired and Ake nursing issues, he could be vital.
United welcome back Mbeumo and Amad from AFCON before hosting City, boosting Carrick’s options for the derby.
Article recalls Hadj Moussa sparking a 3-0 to 3-3 comeback vs City in the Champions League, causing unwanted history for City, as Chelsea now pursue the AFCON standout.
Guardiola hails Donnarumma’s short passing, composure and decisions, noting he lacks Ederson’s long kicks. Trafford started vs Exeter as City won 10-1, but Donnarumma remains central to City’s build-up.
Bernardo Silva, in his final contract year, is attracting Galatasaray, Juventus, Napoli and Saudi clubs. Talks with Jorge Mendes are underway. City are preparing for a possible free exit this summer.
Report claims Real Madrid target Erling Haaland for the summer. Any Man City sale would aid Villa’s future title hopes, though City are unlikely sellers and Haaland has 20 league goals this season.
City loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has started twice for Köln, going 90 minutes and marking Harry Kane vs Bayern. The 20-year-old says he is ‘grateful’, aims to build fitness and help end Köln’s winless run.
Guardiola says City’s priority is team development over trophies, praising improved style with Haaland linking play and new arrivals like Semenyo, as City chase honours on four fronts under Hugo Viana.
Genoa move for Man City keeper Stefan Ortega after Bento deal collapses. The 33-year-old, now third choice after Donnarumma’s arrival, is out of contract this season so could be available cheaply.
City lead Newcastle 2-0 after first leg, with Semenyo and Cherki scoring. Second leg is on Feb 4, and the Carabao Cup final is at Wembley on Mar 22.
Nico Gonzalez says copying Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ‘looks so easy’ but is hard, as he deputises at No 6. He missed the Cup win at Newcastle with a knock, while Rodri is set to return for the derby.
Man City plan bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi amid injuries to Gvardiol and Dias, but will not meet £35m. Guéhi has six months left, is ‘relaxed’ about staying, with Liverpool and Bayern keen.
Cherki, in form after scoring at Newcastle, once said he wanted to ‘kill’ Man United following Lyon’s exit. He missed September’s derby but is set for Old Trafford, likely to get a hostile reception.
Bournemouth plan a new deal to keep Alex Scott amid close monitoring from Man City, Man Utd, Aston Villa and Newcastle. Spurs’ interest has cooled. Scott’s contract currently runs to 2028.
City could start Haaland, Foden, Cherki and in-form Semenyo at Old Trafford, with Rodri back. Seven are out, including Gvardiol, Dias, Stones and Doku possibly benched. Donnarumma tipped to start in goal.
Man City beat Newcastle 2-0 in EFL Cup semi first leg. Semenyo scored, VAR denied him a second after 5.5-minute review, and Cherki netted late. Trafford impressed with a key save to secure the clean sheet.
