Manchester City is gearing up for an exciting pre-season tour in the United States, starting with a clash against Celtic in North Carolina in just 40 days.
As Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany, the world’s attention will be on international action. Manchester City, with the highest number of players representing their countries among Premier League clubs, may see their transfer activities hindered by the ongoing Euros and Copa America.
Once the final whistle blows in Berlin next month, City will return to the City Football Academy to prepare for the new season. However, many of their senior players will likely be enjoying a well-deserved break rather than joining the US tour. This means Pep Guardiola’s squad for the four friendlies in the States will be a blend of non-international players and promising academy talents eager to impress the manager.
The tour kicks off against Celtic in North Carolina, followed by a showdown with AC Milan at the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York. Then, City heads to Orlando to face Barcelona, before concluding with a match against Premier League rivals Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio. Former City assistant Enzo Maresca now manages the London club.
Just a week after the Chelsea game, City will face Manchester United in the Community Shield, where some key players might return. The two-week US tour could give fringe players a chance to secure a spot at Wembley, with a mix of big names, overlooked talents, and rising stars making up the best-available starting XI.
Ederson, who suffered an injury at the end of the season, will be first-choice goalkeeper for the pre-season, having missed the Copa America. Stefan Ortega, having signed a new contract, will also be part of the tour, ensuring a fully stocked goalkeeping department.
In defense, Sergio Gomez might be the most senior player unless he moves away from the club. Loanee Issa Kabore could seize the opportunity to impress Guardiola after a successful season at Luton. Academy players Max Alleyne, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, and Kian Noble are options at center-back. Alleyne, who was on the bench in the Champions League last season, is keen to debut, while Simpson-Pusey captained the under-18s to Youth Cup victory, and Noble, who trained with the senior England team, caught attention for his performances.
Players eliminated from the Euros in the group stage could join the tour, including Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, and Switzerland’s Manu Akanji. Rico Lewis, not with England, could play at right-back or midfield, while Kalvin Phillips, despite his uncertain future at City, would travel to the US. Joao Cancelo, likely resting after the summer, is also expected to be in the squad if his future remains unresolved.
In attack, Jack Grealish, harshly dropped by England, will aim to prove himself after a lackluster third season at the Etihad. The four friendlies will be crucial for him to regain form. Oscar Bobb, with a promising debut season and no Euro commitments, can showcase his skills at number ten. James McAtee, impressive last summer and after a season at Sheffield United, will look to solidify his place, alternating with Bobb on the wing and in central areas.
Erling Haaland, missing out on the Euros, will be the star attraction on tour, ready to shine after a summer off. Academy players, including Micah Hamilton, Mahamadou Susoho, Jacob Wright, Justin Oboavwoduo, and Joel Ndala, will bolster the squad. Finland international Tom Galvez and goalkeeper True Grant, who trained with the first team, could also join the tour. Liam Delap, seeking a move away, might still be included after a productive spell at Hull.
Possible City lineup vs Celtic in pre-season: Ederson, Kabore, Alleyne, Simpson-Pusey, Gomez; Phillips, Lewis; McAtee, Bobb, Grealish; Haaland.
