It has been a slightly quieter day at City, although last night’s Champions League win in Porto has given us plenty to talk about.
Erling Haaland has inevitably taken centre stage, Rúben Dias was involved in the night’s biggest flashpoint and Enzo Maresca has been reflecting on both Ayyoub Bouaddi and the progress his team are making.
And, already, Old Trafford is starting to loom into view.
Maresca likes what he’s seeing
A 2-0 win away to Porto was a very decent way for Maresca to begin his first Champions League campaign with City.
Afterwards, the City boss said his side are “improving game after game”, following three Premier League victories and now a seriously impressive result in Portugal.
Early days, obviously. But there has been plenty to like.
Bouaddi passes another test
Ayyoub Bouaddi’s first City start was one of the most interesting features of the Porto win.
Maresca explained why City moved for the 18-year-old after watching him handle the occasion with remarkable calm.
“You expect Erling, Ruben, Mateo that they can manage these games, but he was top,” said Maresca.
Not bad for an 18-year-old making his first start for the club.
Dias involved as tempers flare
The evening wasn’t quite as calm elsewhere.
Rúben Dias was involved in the half-time confrontation that could reportedly attract UEFA scrutiny after tempers boiled over between the two camps.
Footage appeared to show Dias putting a hand on Porto boss Francesco Farioli during the incident, but there has been no confirmation that the City captain has been charged or is personally facing disciplinary action.
For now, we wait to see whether UEFA decides anything further is required.
Haaland’s rather unusual complaint
Then there was Haaland.
The Norwegian became involved in a stoppage-time wrestling match with Pablo Rosario, with both men booked. Afterwards, Haaland made the rather unexpected claim that the Porto midfielder had been “grabbing my bottom” while trying to prevent him completing his hat-trick.
You don’t hear that one every week.
The football itself was rather more conventional. Haaland’s two goals took him to 167 for City, third on the club’s all-time list, while his Champions League record now stands at a ridiculous 59 goals in 59 appearances.
Maresca’s first Manchester derby
Porto doesn’t stay on the agenda for long because Manchester United are waiting on Sunday.
Maresca admitted the trip to Old Trafford will “probably” be his biggest test yet as City boss.
Given City’s last visit there ended in a 2-0 defeat, nobody should need telling that a derby has a habit of ignoring whatever the form book says.
A trip down derby memory lane
Sunday’s game also gave us an excuse to revisit five Manchester derby moments City fans will never forget.
The 5-1 at Maine Road, Yaya Touré at Wembley, the 6-1, Vincent Kompany’s header and the Haaland-Foden 6-3 all made the cut.
Ask another City supporter and you’ll probably get a different five. That’s half the fun.
Old Trafford next
We also kicked off the match-week build-up with our early Manchester United v City preview.
City arrive with three league wins from three, while United have four points after defeat to Hull, victory over Ipswich and their draw at Everton.
There will be plenty more before Sunday, particularly once Maresca delivers his pre-match team news on Friday.
For now, Porto can be filed away as a very good night’s work.
Next stop, Old Trafford.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
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