There's an uncharacteristic amount of uncertainty about Manchester City this year. The squad, once enviously deep, is now shrinking, and with rumours swirling regarding departures of a handful of key players, the reigning Premier League champions look a little shaky ahead of the 2024-25 season. And those worries were only amplified on Saturday, as a youthful City crumbled in a 3-2 loss to AC Milan in New York.
There were some positives for Pep Guardiola. Erling Haaland buried his one real chance, while Oscar Bobb threatened on the right. But it was an otherwise forgettable night, as a side heavy on academy kids failed to influence the game - while Jack Grealish struggled through 90 minutes.
A much sharper Milan threatened early, as Ederson was forced into two important saves inside the first 15 minutes. But City took their first chance when it came, Haaland slotting into the bottom corner after a clever piece of wing play from Bobb. Milan equalised after 30 minutes, though, as Lorenzo Colombo snuck in at the back post to nod home from close-range.
The Rossoneri added a second four minutes later in similar circumstances, with Colombo once again finding space at the far post for an easy finish. But City responded after the break, James McAtee equalising with a well-taken header. Milan, however, found a much deserved winner, provided by Marco Nasti as he found the bottom corner with a clever finish from the edge of the box.
Guardiola can't take too much from this as half of his squad is still on holiday. Still, this is suddenly something of a flawed City side, with far less certainty about them than in years past.
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