Man City

Manchester City faced Club America in their first pre-season friendly of the season at the NRG Park in Houston.

Dropped in at centre-back, Phillips looked calm in possession, although had to be told where to be at times, which is to be expected as he has only had a fortnight training under Guardiola and has been playing in the wrong position. Beating the defence with ease every time, and reacted well to the persistent rough treatment. Then his assist for De Bruyne on the stroke of half time was sublime. Sloppy in possession at times, giving the ball away in dangerous areas, but some useful positional work and signs that the form will return with fitness. Some lovely quick feet to keep or win back possession and sent a message to Phillips of the level needed to play in the holding role. Calm and composed for the most part, and a good first run-out for the season.

A Kevin De Bruyne brace was enough to earn Pep Guardiola's men a hard-fought victory over Mexican side Club America at Houston's NRH Stadium.

It could’ve been three soon after the restart when Julian Alvarez won the ball back deep in the Club America half, but Grealish was denied in a one-on-one situation. This time, our skipper latched onto a cleverly disguised pass from Riyad Mahrez before slotting home through the legs of substitute goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez. In a first half of few chances, it was a moment of typical brilliance from the Belgian which broke the deadlock on the half hour.

Former City defender Nedum Onuoha says that Kevin De Bruyne's example is a shining light to the younger players in City's squad.

That left its mark on me and I spent the rest of my career looking to meet those standards in everything I did." If he’s doing that then there’s no excuse for any other player not to do that." "He’s running around, winning tackles and he’s one of the best players in the world.

Two quality strikes from winger Kevin De Bruyne handed Pep Guardiola's Manchester City a winning start to pre-season following a hard fought 2-1 victory ...

Ruben Dias has been unwell, although should return for the friendly against Bayern Munich, while John Stones is with the Under 23s in Croatia and Aymeric Laporte was left at home injured. Perhaps that will serve him well for the months to come. Grealish showed purpose, dropping into dangerous pockets, but could not escape rough treatment – some of which the broadcaster inside the NRG refused to show on the big screen. Kevin De Bruyne picked up from where he left off. The referee, Armando Villarreal, certainly knew of his existence, with the pair often deep in conversation about penalty appeals. This friendly might have been thousands of miles away from Manchester but Jack Grealish must have felt right at home.

Manchester City have had a bid for full-back Marc Cucurella rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion, The Athletic understands. Talks started after City and...

Albion are understood to have been told in May that City would target Cucurella. As well as Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, champions City are also chasing Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella As well as Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, champions City are also chasing Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella

Pep Guardiola handed debuts to Stefan Ortega and Julian Alvarez as Manchester City began their 2022 pre-season by beating Club America 2-1.

Pep Guardiola handed debuts to Stefan Ortega, Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips as Manchester City began their 2022 pre-season by beating Club America 2-1. De Bruyne's first goal was a long-range banger. Trio Make Man City Debuts As Kevin De Bruyne Shines Against Club America

The bid falls well short of Brightons valuation of Marc Cucurella which is understood to be £50m; Sky Sports News can confirm Brighton have rejected Man ...

You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News. Since Benjamin Mendy was arrested last summer Manchester City have operated without a natural left-back. Cucurella has adapted to the Premier League with ease and was named Brighton's Player of the Season for 2021/22, a campaign in which they achieved their highest-ever league finish.

Pep Guardiola has revealed three Manchester City alternatives should they fail in their attempts to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton.

You can select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Click here to find out more about our partners. - Information about your device and Internet connection, including your IP address

Manchester City have launched their bid to sign Brighton's Marc Cucurella, with Pep Guardiola wanting the Spaniard to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko, ...

Arsenal were also reportedly offered the Spaniard, but opted instead to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from City. Manchester City have been offered the chance to sign Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo. Manchester City are focused on landing their last big-money signing from what has been a successful transfer for the champions.