Thug who punched nine year-old Man City fan in the face after League Cup final is banned from football for three years

Sky News reported that the FIFA-backed tournament would involve Europe's biggest football clubs and "reshape the sport's global landscape".

straight to your inboxKoeman hands City Messi boost Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has not ruled out Lionel Messi leaving the club next summer. The Barca star confirmed over the summer his intention to leave the Camp Nou, but after a stand-off with the club regarding the validity of a release clause he opted to stay and avoid a damaging court battle.

straight to your inboxAymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy have been ruled out of Manchester City's clash at home to Arsenal and it has led to plenty of reaction.City were already without the services of Kevin De Bruyne for the clash with the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium but have been now dealt a further double blow.Both Laporte and Mendy have been ruled out due to injuries despite starting City's last game against Leeds United.Neither were involved in France's matches during the international

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola is expecting the Premier League to return to more normal levels of goals as teams 'take a little more care'. Manchester City are used to racking up scores in their matches but there have been more goals and shocks across the league in the opening four rounds of games than ever before with an average of nearly four goals a game plundered.

straight to your inboxMikel Arteta has described Manchester City's mixed start to the new season as 'unlucky' as he prepares to take his Arsenal side to the Etihad.Former City assistant Arteta has led Arsenal to three wins out of four in the Premier League, while the Blues have one win and one draw from their first three games.With Arteta knowing this City side better than perhaps any other manager, he is well placed to discuss why Pep Guardiola's men have already dropped points twice - in the

straight to your inboxThe majority of Manchester City supporters are still unsure whether their side can overtake champions Liverpool this season.City were beaten to the Premier League title last campaign by the Reds - who finished 18 points clear at the top of the table.Pep Guardiola and the club’s board have signed a host of new players in order to fight Jurgen Klopp’s side for the crown this season.Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres - most notably - have all arrived at the Etihad

Manchester United fans lauded Patrice Evra after he trolled Manchester City while wishing Sir Bobby Charlton a happy birthday. United legend Charlton turned 83 on October 11 and Evra paid tribute to the World Cup winner in an Instagram post.Evra wrote: "Happy Birthday @SirBobbyCharlton.

Manchester United and Manchester City will face a quick turnaround when they return from the international break.Both sides face Premier League games on October 17 before the Champions League group stage kicks off in midweek.The Reds are in action against PSG on Tuesday, October 20, with City facing Porto the following day.There are also some rule changes to prepare for in this season's competition.In contrast to the Premier League, UEFA have retained the decision to allow clubs to make five

straight to your inboxChampions League squad confirmed. Manchester City have confirmed their squad for the group stage of the 2020/21 Champions League.

straight to your inbox Manchester City named their 21-man squad for the Champions League group phase on Thursday morning, and Phil Foden's absence from the 'A list' of players may have raised eyebrows among some supporters.

straight to your inbox Manchester City will meet Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.An exact date and kick-off time has not yet been allocated for the fixture but it will be played in the week commencing December 21 and played at the Emirates Stadium.City got their League Cup campaign underway with a narrow victory over Championship side Bournemouth, with a very youthful side claiming a 2-1 win.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola believes Manchester City are finished in the transfer market this summer after the arrival of Ruben Dias. The 23-year-old joined City on Tuesday for a fee of £65.2 million and will provide a much-needed boost to Guardiola’s backline.The club still have an eye on the market as they consider potential options at left-back in the wake of Benjamin Mendy’s poor performance against Leicester City on Sunday.

straight to your inbox Txiki Begiristain says Manchester City need to replace their simple desire to win the Champions League with an real belief they can win it, as he reacted to the group stage draw which was made on Thursday. City were paired with FC Porto, Olympiacos and Marseille in the group stage draw, with Director of Football Begiristain declaring his happiness at the way the draw played out.

SubstitutesIn Lisbon, clubs were permitted to make five substitutes off the bench.The idea was this would reduce the effects of fatigue that might have been felt due to the packed schedule and UEFA has extended this into the new season, once again using the risk of fatigue on players as a reason for this controversial change.Get the latest breaking Manchester United news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletterSign up here - it only takes a few seconds.Champions

Manchester United and Manchester City fans after both teams sealed spots in the last eight.