Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or award of his career meant that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland missed out on a first.
20.10.2023 - 20:05 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City are back in action on Saturday when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad.
It has felt like an eternity since Pep Guardiola's side lost 1-0 at Arsenal, signalling their first run of two consecutive Premier League defeats since December 2018. That left them third in the league over the international break, behind the Gunners and Tottenham.
Several Blues have been on international duty in the fortnight since, and Guardiola will be relieved to see them all return to Manchester unscathed. Everyone except Kevin De Bruyne should be fit for the visit of Brighton, who are enduring a tough run of their own with no wins in four across all competitions.
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Here are your Friday evening headlines.
Stones assurances
Gareth Southgate listened to City concerns over John Stones as he looked to secure European Championship qualification for England.
Stones was called up to the Three Lions squad for their matches against Australia and Italy this month despite a lack of minutes for his club. The former Everton centre-back had not started a game since the Community Shield due to a number of injuries and half an hour off the bench at Arsenal two weeks ago was his first appearance since August.
Southgate brought Stones off the bench in the 1-0 win over Australia last week before he started the 3-1 win over Italy, coming off just after the hour-mark. England wanted to make use of having Stones fit again, although both Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain had made clear to the national team that they would not be happy if too much was
Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or award of his career meant that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland missed out on a first.
Manchester City have been told the actions of Erling Haaland prior to the tussle with Harry Maguire prevented them from receiving a second penalty against Manchester United on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Premier League showdown with neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford this afternoon, making three changes.
Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford later this afternoon and supporters have called for Mason Mount's return to the starting line-up.
Erik ten Hag insists he is happy with the progress Mason Mount has made so far at Manchester United and has hinted that he could be selected to face City this weekend.
Pep Guardiola said that Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez were not fit enough to start Manchester City's game against Young Boys just days before the Manchester derby.
Manchester City are preparing for their Champions League clash with Young Boys on Wednesday night.
Manchester City returned to the Premier League's summit with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
England's FA have announced a full tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton who died on Saturday.
Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Manchester City have apparently spoken to the representatives of Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini with Pep Guardiola said to be an admirer of the centre-back.
Manchester City are looking to bounce back from back to back Premier League losses when they take on Brighton this afternoon.
Gareth Southgate listened to Manchester City concerns over John Stones as he looked to secure European Championship qualification for England.
Pep Guardiola did not rule out a January exit for Kalvin Phillips as the Manchester City player considers his options ahead of Euro 2024.
Phil Foden might have finally found his best position in the England set-up - and it's remarkably similar to his favourite position with Manchester City.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has said Jude Bellingham is currently the best midfielder in football after he played a starring role in England's 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Rodri has ruled out a future transfer to Saudi Arabia like other big names from Europe, as he discussed his future after leaving Manchester City.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola might have watched the England match through his fingers with so many of his players involved on Tuesday night. However, in the end, Guardiola pretty much got exactly what he wanted from the win over Italy.
Kalvin Phillips has not yet decided on his Manchester City future but a January transfer is increasingly likely the longer he is starved of game time, reports claim.
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to reports. Defensive injuries have been United's kryptonite this season, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane serving time on the treatment table.