Manchester City’s response and performance was not able to have the best start to the 2025-26 season, and a handful number of people are wondering if they’re still a top team. But Erling Haaland has demanded that the team must step up. It sounds like they’re eager to prove themselves in the next Manchester Derby. The team is under pressure after losing to Tottenham and Brighton, as highlighted in a recent Guardian report.
Haaland’s Rallying Cry
Haaland was blunt, saying City’s form “not good enough” following the two losses. “We need to get our asses going,” he mentioned to Viaplay, seeing the derby as a chance to improve.
With Omar Marmoush out and John Stones possibly unavailable, City’s team strength is being challenged. For instance, the departure of key players like Ederson to Fenerbahce raises questions about squad stability.
New Faces, New Challenges
Pep Guardiola’s squad has seen significant turnover, with Gianluigi Donnarumma stepping in as goalkeeper and Manuel Akanji moving to Inter Milan on loan. Additionally, Laura Wienroither’s permanent move bolsters the women’s team, but the men’s side faces pressure to gel quickly. People doubt Donnarumma can pass like Ederson, especially as City adjusts.
Derby Stakes and Tactics
The derby is a chance to turn things around, but City’s injuries and current play make it questionable. Still, Guardiola resolve to “make my shoulders bigger”, which is a metaphorical expression of his commitment to take more responsibility at Man City, also hints at a plan to use Erling Haaland’s energy. But United also has injuries, which could even things out and make this game hard to guess.
Author’s Note
How Manchester City’s response and retaliation of their earlier mistakes comes around is key, but there are still questions about how well they work together. You can see how eager Haaland is, but injuries and fresh players are making things tricky for Guardiola. The derby could be where things change, but only if City can take their annoyance and turn it into something useful. Fans want to see if this team can still be on top.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
