City are only two Premier League games into life after Pep Guardiola, but Enzo Maresca has already earned his first piece of individual recognition.
The new City boss has been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August after winning both of his opening league games.
Maresca is on a four-man shortlist alongside Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Hull City’s Sergej Jakirovic.
Two games, two wins for Maresca
It is obviously very early.
Replacing Guardiola was always going to be one of the toughest jobs in football, particularly with City’s squad undergoing another major overhaul this summer.
But Maresca could hardly have made a better start in terms of results.
City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 on the opening weekend, with his substitutions helping to turn the game.
Rayan Cherki came off the bench and created both goals, Marc Guéhi equalising in the 84th minute before Joško Gvardiol struck the winner in stoppage time.
If that victory required intervention from the manager, the second was considerably more comfortable.
City won 4-1 at Crystal Palace five days later, with Cherki and Erling Haaland scoring twice apiece at Selhurst Park.
It left Maresca with six points from six and a goal difference of plus four for August.
There is far too much football still to be played to conclude the post-Guardiola era, particularly with another group of expensive new signings now waiting to be integrated.
But two wins from two and a first Manager of the Month nomination represents a tidy start.
Supporters can vote until noon on Monday, with the winner to be announced on Friday, 11 September.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
