City wrapped up a 3-1 victory over the K League All-Stars with a composed second-half performance in Seoul, as Enzo Maresca continued to rotate his squad ahead of the new season.
Holding a two-goal advantage at the interval, City remained firmly in control after the restart despite a raft of substitutions that gave valuable minutes to several first-team players and academy prospects.
Phil Foden threatened almost immediately after the break, forcing a smart save from the K League goalkeeper with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area.
City continued to create chances and came close to extending their lead when Tijjani Reijnders tested the goalkeeper from close range, only for the hosts to break quickly upfield. Kim Ju Chan almost reduced the deficit on the counter-attack, striking the post after racing into space.
There was a brief injury concern for Rico Lewis midway through the second half after the defender required treatment, although he was able to continue before Maresca made further changes.
Maresca introduced Omar Marmoush, Claudio Echeverri, Jeremy Monga and Jaden Heskey shortly after the hour mark, while earlier changes had also seen Vitor Reis, Stephen Mfuni, Max Alleyne, Savinho, Nico Gonzalez and Marcus Bettinelli enter the contest.
The substitutions inevitably disrupted City’s rhythm, but they remained comfortable in possession and rarely looked troubled defensively.
Monga almost marked another lively cameo with a goal after winning possession high up the pitch and finishing confidently, only for the effort to be ruled out for handball in the build-up.
The teenager continued to impress and later forced another excellent save with a curling effort after cutting inside from the left, while Savinho also went close in stoppage time as the K League goalkeeper produced another fine stop.
Although the tempo dropped during the closing stages, City rarely surrendered control as Maresca’s youthful side saw out the contest with confidence.
The victory concludes another productive step in City’s preparations before they face Atlético Madrid in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday, with the Community Shield against Arsenal to follow later this month.
