Manchester City

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Gianluigi Donnarumma says "a demonstration of affection" shown towards him by those at Manchester City made it a simple decision to join the club.

Donnarumma impressed in Sunday's Manchester derby on his debut after his summer switch from Paris St-Germain - and is set to make his first European appearance for City on Thursday against his hometown club Napoli.

"Before the summer, I knew that City were very interested in me and then the relationship strengthened," said the 26-year-old Italy goalkeeper.

"I knew that the coach was pushing for my arrival here. Everybody wanted me here so that really spurred me on and gave me such pride to see such a demonstration of affection from them. I hope to give my all for City, for this badge.

"I was very clear my desire was to come here. That was my first and my only option - the only thing I wanted.

"It's an honour and a pride to be here. It's history - football history - so I am really excited to be here and to have him as my coach."

Donnarumma played a key role in PSG's Champions League-winning side last season, but still believes there is a lot of room for his game to develop under Pep Guardiola.

"I definitely still have a lot to improve and I can still give so much more. That's my objective - to keep improving and give my all for the team," he added.

"I'm happy to be here at City, a part of this fantastic team, this fantastic family, and to give so much to these colours, this badge. I really hope to do it for many years to come."

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Napoli at Etihad Stadium (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola was asked whether he is looking forward to seeing Kevin de Bruyne on his return to Manchester: "After the game. Of course it's nice to have him back. The players in that level [Serie A] adapt so quickly and they don't need that much time to adapt."

• On whether they are contenders for the Champions League: "Apparently we are not [contenders]. Just enjoy the moment - we are happy to be here after the path we have been [on] so we are just focusing on tomorrow, the game we have to play and starting well in this competition."

• Guardiola was asked about Erling Haaland's leadership role in the dressing room: "It is a question of time, as normal. In the first season, he came into a team that was winning a lot - except in the Champions League - and he helped to bring that incredible trophy for us. It is a question of maturity over time. He is a little bit older even though he is still young."

• He did not commit to either the Premier League or Champions League being a priority: "[My] priority is the next game and it always has been since I arrived here. We do not choose the next game and in 10 days we go to Huddersfield [in the Carabao Cup] and then that will be the most important one. We take every game seriously."

• On Gianluigi Donnarumma's experience: "I would always say in the last decade we have had incredible goalkeepers. Gigi, at his age - just 26 years old - he can play for us for many years and he is a top-class keeper."

• On Napoli's transformation under Antonio Conte: "Of course he [Conte] can do good things because he is a top-class manager. Whatever [club] has his stamp on it, it is no surprise to me [that it will succeed]."

Follow all of Wednesday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Man City v Napoli on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra on Thursday

You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play the Manchester City game".

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Hugo Viana says he is "confident" and "comfortable" working alongside Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola since taking up the director of football role.

Following a handover period, Viana replaced Txiki Begiristain in July after the Spaniard's 13-year period at the club, which included 21 major trophies being delivered.

"Having the right recruitment and scouting department at the football club, and also nowadays it's really important to have a really good data department," Viani said in his first interview.

"First, we have to identify the positions that the team need to be better and during that process we have a lot of meetings with Pep and then with the scouting department.

"But nowadays, we can speak about talent, the right characteristics to any position we are looking for. But with the evolution of the game, the intensity of the game also, we need to have players with the right physicality and who are physically reliable. It's really important in the Premier League.

"I feel comfortable, I feel confident, and I think they [Ferran Soriano and Pep] are also - otherwise I would not be here."

City have signed six players for about £270m this summer, including the arrival of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Viana added: "We have four great goalkeepers in James [Trafford], Donnarumma, Marcus [Bettinelli] and [Stefan] Ortega, which was important for the club and the dressing room.

"I don't see any team stronger than us on the goalkeeping position, so we are really happy with them. We have two young goalkeepers in Donnarumma, who is 26, and James, who is 22, which is important for the future of the club."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Ilkay Gundogan says he has joined his "childhood club" and one his "whole family supports" after leaving Manchester City for Galatasaray.

The Turkey-born Germany international, 34, signed for the Super Lig champions on a free transfer on deadline day.

Gundogan returns to Istanbul where he won the Champions League with City in 2023, completing a Treble of trophies for the club.

He pointed to that moment as one of his favourite memories in a City shirt, as well as scoring twice against rivals Manchester United to win the 2023 FA Cup and a late double against Aston Villa which helped claim the 2021-22 Premier League title.

Gundogan, who made his Galatasaray debut on Saturday, said: "I would say that [Champions League win] was probably the most that I wanted [to win in] my career.

"It was just the perfect ending to that season and then obviously for me, being here in my home country, having the opportunity to play in Istanbul, the Champions League final and then winning it and making it a Treble as a captain, having the privilege to lift all these trophies, it could have not been better.

"It's just unbelievable."

On working with City boss Pep Guardiola, Gundogan added: "It was amazing. I would say it's more than just a manager/player relationship. It's more than that.

"He gave me everything that I wanted in football, I've learned so much. He had such a big impact also on my career and I think without him that what I've achieved, what we have achieved, would have not been possible.

"I think every single player that played under him, especially in the era of Manchester City will probably say the same: that we are all very grateful, and we feel privileged that we had the opportunity to work with the best."

Watch former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton discuss the club's current goalkeeper situation following the arrivals of James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma over the summer.

"James Trafford's a brilliant goalkeeper," Given told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"In the year of a World Cup, I think Pep's given him the full sales pitch.

"Fast forward two weeks and the big man Donnarumma comes in from Italy and he's parked up for the season.

"If it was me, I'd be raging."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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When Phil Foden single-handedly drove Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023-24, many believed that the Stockport-born playmaker was firmly hitting the heights many had tipped him to reach - a player who carries the weight of expectation and performance on his sky blue shoulders.

By the time the 2024-25 campaign had concluded, the England international was nowhere to be seen. Hints of off-field struggles, injury problems hampering his ability to consistently perform and an ageing Manchester City side that was desperate for fresh life, impetus and, perhaps most importantly, passion for the cause and badge.

And then came the Manchester derby. A fixture that always tends to bring out the very best in those that have a greater and deeper understanding of the personal meaning behind the contest, a fixture that always tends to bring the very best out of Foden.

From largely a number 10 position, and a role that many City fans have been crying out to see Foden star in since his first-team introduction in 2017, Foden was the inspiration, leading energy and creative spark behind a much more encouraging performance from Pep Guardiola's side after a difficult start.

In a post-Kevin de Bruyne era, somebody needs to take the creative responsibility. That somebody has long been expected to be Foden, and with a big-game performance like Sunday against Manchester United, at a time when a win was imperative to lifting spirits, we may have seen a further example of the 25-year-old being exactly that figure.

The question is now whether this is a responsibility that Foden can consistently manage, and whether the biggest of occasions - with Napoli and Arsenal on the horizon - can bring out the very best in a truly generational talent and no doubt a future Manchester City legend.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Listen to Foden's chat with BBC Radio Manchester after the derby here

Signing Manchester City's Erling Haaland has become an obsession for Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who is confident the striker will join the La Liga club in the future. (El Nacional - in Spanish), external

Manchester City are set to rival Liverpool for the free transfer signing of 25-year-old England and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi next summer, when his contract is due to expire. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Opta's supercomputer has ranked Manchester City fourth in its predictions for who will win the Champions League

The model estimates the probability of each match outcome (win, draw or loss) by using betting market odds and Opta power rankings. Both these areas are based on historical and recent team performances and the computer runs 10,000 simulations to create its predictions.

Pep Guardiola's side win the tournament in 8.4% of simulations, which is well below their projection of 25.3% this time last year having endured a tough campaign in 2024-25.

They only just made it through the new league phase with a 22nd-place finish, before losing 6-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the play-offs - a side they must face again this time with a trip to the Bernabeu lined up for Wednesday, 10 December.

Image source, Opta

The supercomputer has City reaching the quarter-finals in just over half of their simulations (54.6%), getting to the semi-finals 31.1% of the time and reaching the final 16.6% of the time.

Opta ranks the likeliest threats to Guardiola's side as favourites Liverpool (20.4%), Arsenal (16%) and holders Paris St-Germain (12.1%).

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Former England winger Theo Walcott praised Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden following their standout performances in Sunday's Manchester derby: "Erling Haaland's an animal. He always has a picture of any finish in that 18-yard box. Or, where he is on that field, he just knows when to go, when not to go, when to reserve his energy.

"It's that picture, he sees it. And I'd say any young player out there, you don't have to overthink things. He doesn't, he simplifies it. You see it with that finish [for his second goal], such a cool finish. He knew what he was going to do. The third touch he takes to set himself, he's already smiling before he's finished.

"In these big games, he knows when to come out of his shell. Of course, he had a great week internationally as well. He's coming back with so much confidence and he's already got an abundance of confidence anyway. He's got a presence and aura about him."

On Foden: "It was like a test, he hasn't really played but Pep [Guardiola] put him in against Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"He's expected to be a presence and represent the club, but I'm not sure he's that type. He talks by playing his football.

"After the game Pep embraced him, he knows how important Foden is and needs to keep him onside. He's important for Haaland too."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku knew Sunday was going to be a good day - and it had nothing to do with his performance in the derby day victory over Manchester United.

Doku has never hidden his strong Christian faith and, in the immediate aftermath of his starring role in City's 3-0 win at Etihad Stadium, said he was going straight off to be baptised.

"For me, today was already a victory day," he said.

"Why? Because I knew that after the game I'm going to be baptised.

"As a Christian, when you get baptised, your old nature, your old sinful nature dies, and you start living with God. You resurrect with God, with Jesus Christ.

"You can do that as a kid but normally it's meant for when you're older and you really realise what you're doing."

The spiritual side of religion is at odds with the pressurised environment of elite level football.

However, it possibly explains Doku's calm persona.

Doku was influenced in his religion by Belgium international team-mate Romelu Lukaku and it is clear how significant it is to him.

"It's the centre of my life," he said. "There's nothing more important to me than faith."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Anurag: Much-needed win! Terrific performance from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden as they have also done against United in the past! Loved it from the first minute, and shoutout to Donnarumma and Khusanov for their great defensive work.

Brian: Stunning performance. City found their mojo and the return to form of Foden inspired the whole team to play with passion and show that will to win. On this form, City will be a force to be reckoned with in both the Premier League and in the Champions League. This was an amazing watch. The tide has turned. Confidence in all areas of the pitch.

CF: Manchester is blue! Some incredible saves from Donnarumma, a beautiful goal from Foden, who has finally returned, a near perfect performance from Haaland both defensively and in attack, and gorgeous assists from Doku. A masterclass team performance worthy of the Manchester derby.

Andy: A good performance, but still some work to be done. City gave the ball away too often and might have been punished if playing more accomplished opponents. On the plus side, Haaland and Foden were outstanding, Khusanov showed just how good he can be and Donnarumma had a flawless introduction to life in Manchester. If City carry this into Thursday's encounter with Napoli the signs are promising.

Man Utd fans

Mark: No point spending £200m on forwards when you defend like that! Back three too slow. Where is the the passion?

Andy: United will start to score goals. They have bought wisely up front, but are completely at sea defensively. They have to go to a flat back four to steady the ship. And if that works, it will make Ruben Amorim look tactically naive for not doing it sooner. I like Amorim and would like him to be given time, but he's digging a hole for himself.

Rob: Same old story. Amorim always states "we have to do better" - we know that! But it doesn't get any better. The frustration is killing me. Get rid and go back to a classic formation of play.

Graham: We were rubbish - again. We just don't have the quality. We're kidding ourselves about Ugarte, and Shaw looked pedestrian. The manager is getting away with being clueless. All must go.

Manchester City will rival Manchester United in the race to sign Inter Milan's 29-year-old Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pundits Theo Walcott and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

• Man City 3-0 Man Utd

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

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Erling Haaland showed his value in both boxes against Manchester United and it was his crucial contributions that allowed Manchester City to take all three points.

The striker had nine touches of the ball in the opposition box and six in his own, showcasing his defensive capabilities as well as his ruthlessness in the final third.

At the start of the second half, when City were 1-0 up courtesy of Phil Foden's headed goal, United were looking to restore parity and played a series of crosses into the box.

With each one, they could only find the head of Haaland, who made vital interceptions on each occasion.

In all, the Norwegian made a total of six clearances, including four with his head, with centre-back Ruben Dias the only City player to contribute more.

Once the spell of pressure was relieved, Haaland was summoned to the side of the pitch by Guardiola and the two men had an amicable discussion - the striker trotted back into his familiar position up front and seconds later doubled the advantage with a delightfully dinked finish.

Haaland showed he is human when he went round Altay Bayindir and somehow struck the post with a virtually open goal to aim at, but it did not deter him as he ran through to convert a composed second.

"A complete performance," Foden said of his team-mate. "The way he held up the ball when we were struggling. He did everything. Defending, attacking, running in behind and doing the dirty work.

"It was a full shift and we need that more."

Former United captain Roy Keane said Haaland "could have scored a few more", adding on Sky Sports: "We know Haaland's strengths. You have one of the best strikers in the world running from the halfway line and there was never any doubt he was going to finish it.

"You talk about a team player, you have to give him praise for coming back and doing a good job defensively."

Read more on Haaland's display

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

There was talk of a crisis looming for Pep Guardiola if Manchester City had lost against Manchester United on Sunday, but Phil Foden and Erling Haaland ended any such talk.

Home supporters rejoiced by doing the 'Poznan' dance inside the stadium after watching their side claim the bragging rights courtesy of City's sixth win over United in their last nine league meetings.

The goalscorers seem to relish the prospect of coming up against United - both scored hat-tricks in a 6-3 victory here in October 2022 and they did the damage for the hosts once more.

Foden's header past the reach of Altay Bayindir in the first half was his seventh goal in a Manchester derby, with the Englishman having only netted more frequently in his career against Brighton with eight.

Haaland came into the fixture on the back of scoring an astonishing five goals for his country in the 11-1 thrashing of Moldova during the week but was being made to do his defensive duties for large periods early on.

When he got to show of his attacking talent, the two goals he scored were coolly finished to take his tally to five in just four league games this season and 90 in 101 Premier League matches.

He should have had more but hit the woodwork from a couple of yards out, while a flicked effort was collected by Bayindir.

United were falling apart and City were threatening to rack up another sizeable scoreline against their opponents – Tijjani Reijnders clipping wide after running through having also had a side-footed effort that was kept out by Bayindir in the first half.

Guardiola will be smiling tonight after a satisfactory afternoon, but the same cannot be said for counterpart Ruben Amorim, who will face serious scrutiny once again.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory over Manchester United: "We are in a situation with a start we didn't expect and of course our opponents are so strong.

"We want to be close and still fighting for titles. The spirit was great, our players have a lot of pride and they want to try to do better on a special day. We saw our fans so happy and that is our job, so, so privileged.

"We have many things to improve. We are not yet a team but step by step. The victory helps us a lot. In the games we have had a lot of momentum and others not enough.

"They [United] have fantastic players and I know here we struggle against them, we have more better results at Old Trafford."

On Phil Foden: "He played incredible. He is a guy who loves to arrive at the box. Our last Premier League title, he was the best player in the Premier League. We need him so much."

Did you know?

• Erling Haaland scored his 50th goal in his 50th home Premier League game for Manchester City. In the competition's history, only Alan Shearer required fewer home appearances to hit 50 home goals (47).

• This was the 57th Premier League Manchester derby – but the first of those not to see a single yellow or red card shown.

Hear more from Guardiola on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City make six changes to the side that suffered a last-gasp defeat at Brighton before the international break.

Deadline day signing Gianluigi Donnarumma comes straight into the starting line-up for his debut, replacing James Trafford.

Local boy Phil Foden also starts with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly and Jeremy Doku coming in.

Matheus Nunes and Oscar Bobb drop to the bench, while John Stones, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are not involved.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Reijnders, Silva, Doku, Foden, Haaland.

Subs: Ake, Bobb, Gonzalez, Lewis, Mfuni, Savinho, Mukasa, Nunes, Trafford

Manchester United make four changes to the side that edged out Burnley in their previous game.

Benjamin Sesko gets his first start up front, with Noussair Mazraoui making his first appearance of the season following a muscular issue.

Patrick Dorgu and surprisingly Manuel Ugarte also come in, with Casemiro on the bench alongside new signing Senne Lammens.

Diogo Dalot, Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha miss out.

Man Utd XI: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Dorgu, Ugarte, Fernandes, Diallo, Mbeumo, Sesko.

Subs: Casemiro, Fredricson, Heaton, Heaven, Lammens, Leon, Maguire, Mainoo Zirkzee