Manchester City suffered another defeat on their USA tour Saturday night, with AC Milan narrowly beating the Premier League champions 3-2 in New York.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s team, but Lorenzo Colombo quickly turned the tide with two goals that put the Italians ahead at the break.
James McAtee equalized for City with a header from close range before Marco Nasti’s well-placed shot concluded the scoring at Yankee Stadium.
Here, Mail Sport highlights five insights from the match…
Marco Nasti’s precise finish ensured AC Milan beat Manchester City in New York on Saturday
Bobb presents a fascinating dilemma for Pep
With several seasoned players absent, this 2024 tour offers a chance for fringe members to make an impression.
While it’s somewhat unfair to categorize Oscar Bobb in that category—he was pivotal in winning last season’s title with a late goal against Newcastle—there are still greater heights he can reach, and his performances in the States so far have been encouraging.
He kicked off the tour with a goal and two assists in the opening friendly, showcasing his talent with a brilliant assist to Erling Haaland for City’s first goal against AC Milan, maintaining a constant threat throughout the match.
Bobb’s skillful ball control from the right wing, his silky first touch reminiscent of Riyad Mahrez, and reliable final passes could complicate Guardiola’s selection choices this season. His only downside was a missed opportunity at the end of the first half after a well-executed play he initiated.
With City having signed Savinho, who prefers playing wide right, this could lead to a healthy competition between the two young talents. This may also allow Bernardo Silva to contribute more centrally, providing Guardiola with additional tactical options.
Oscar Bobb was threatening all night and laid Erling Haaland’s goal on a plate for the striker
Is Ederson focused?
Haaland expressed pride in leading the team as captain prior to the Celtic game in North Carolina, though it seemed more for show. ‘Proud, very proud,’ he stated.
This sentiment may not extend to Ederson, who had the honour of captaining the side at Yankee Stadium after starting the Celtic friendly on the bench—potentially impacting his motivation amidst ongoing transfer discussions.
The Brazilian has expressed a desire to explore opportunities elsewhere, but Al-Ittihad of the Saudi Pro League has yet to meet City’s £50 million asking price.
Ederson reaffirmed his commitment to the upcoming season in a recent statement, acknowledging that potential suitors may not have the financial means for a transfer.
However, his performance against Milan fell short, allowing three goals, with Guardiola visibly frustrated at giving away the third goal, which Ederson should have saved. Guardiola turned to the bench in mild irritation.
Pep Guardiola was far from impressed with what he saw from Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson
McAtee proves valuable
Time will tell if James McAtee remains with City beyond August, but he’s made it clear he wants to stay, and Guardiola has also endorsed this desire publicly.
It’s evident why City values McAtee, who joined the club at nine years old.
Guardiola lacks midfielders willing to break beyond Haaland (or Julian Alvarez) to seize the opportunities that Ilkay Gundogan previously thrived upon.
McAtee showed precisely this ability against Milan, breaking off a defender to score with a header from a well-placed cross from the dynamic Micah Hamilton.
Though McAtee stated he’s ‘not fussed’ about his playing time this season, his movement might provide Guardiola with a useful option off the bench.
James McAtee scored a second-half header and he gives something different in City’s midfield
Fatah poses a challenge
Amar Fatah may not be a widely recognized name, and that’s understandable. The 20-year-old Sweden youth international is currently in a unique position as a trialist.
Under contract with Troyes, from whom City acquired Savinho, Fatah has been in Manchester rehabilitating an injury this summer. After his loan spell at Lommel, another City Football Group club, he caught the team’s attention.
Invited to train with the Premier League champions for a few weeks—with the possibility of a loan move—he made a bright impression during his first 23-minute appearance.
Though he isn’t known for prolific scoring, Fatah is a strong runner with a good vision for passing. He’s likely to be a valuable acquisition for someone as the transfer window closes.
City’s maroon third kit was released in New York this week and it was given its first run out
Franco Baresi and Shaun Wright-Phillips visited a session held at Sofive Meadowlands
City generates excitement in New York
This week saw the launch of City’s maroon third kit in New York, which made its debut in the second half as part of a collaboration with Milan.
The club is auctioning off the match-worn kits to fund a community initiative benefiting five boroughs, while City will donate €12,500 to local programs.
Franco Baresi and Shaun Wright-Phillips also attended a session at Sofive Meadowlands in New Jersey on Friday.
Overall, the trip to the Big Apple appears successful, with the game attracting a sellout crowd of 46,000—though many fans were still trickling in at halftime, reflecting the different pace of sports consumption in America.
