Is there a feeling of concern looming over this Man City squad?

This could be a pivotal week for Manchester City

Manchester City fan Macca believes fans may learn just how far this squad can go in pursuit of the biggest prizes this season. This is what he had to say about an interesting few weeks. 

August 2025 | City's defeat against Spurs

With the international break behind them, Pep Guardiola’s side resume their campaign with the Manchester derby at the Etihad. United, managed by an under-pressure Rúben Amorim, are the visitors. After defeats in their last two league games, City need a response.

Despite a summer recruitment drive that brought in five players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the world, concerns remain. The absence of a new right-back, questions over the midfield balance, and doubts about the quality out wide have left Guardiola searching for solutions.

READ MORE | Manchester City condemned to back-to-back defeats

United’s visit is followed by City’s first Champions League match of the season, which will see Kevin De Bruyne return to the Etihad in strong form after shining for Belgium during the break. For some, it may serve as a reminder that the decision to let him leave was hasty. For De Bruyne, it may be a chance to prove he was written off too soon in English football.

View from the away end at City's defeat against Brighton

City’s hierarchy expect more in Europe. The benchmark is the dominance that Real Madrid have established in the competition over the past two decades. Guardiola will be under pressure to deliver the kind of performances that can place City alongside the European elite.

There is little margin for error. After the derby and the Champions League fixture, City travel to Arsenal. In recent years this has been billed as a title-race encounter, but given City’s stuttering start it feels like a more difficult claim to make.

READ MORE | City learn Champions League fate

This run of fixtures represents a crucial test. Guardiola’s side must find form quickly, silence the doubters, and prove their credentials. Three matches in quick succession provide the opportunity to do exactly that.

Disclaimer | Everything here was the view of the author not that of GM Super News.