Manchester City's maximum-points start to the Premier League season has been overshadowed by a refereeing storm that refuses to die down. A 1-0 win at Old Trafford on September 13 kept them level on 12 points with leaders Arsenal after four games, but the goal that settled the derby has since been officially ruled an error by the Professional Game Referees body. The VAR officials responsible have been stood down for the next round of fixtures, as confirmed by Pro Ref, turning a footballing result into a governance story.
The controversy centres on Erling Haaland's second-half strike, which was allowed to stand despite Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play from an offside position. Michael Owen told GOAL the decision was baffling, while Peter Schmeichel demanded VAR be scrapped entirely and Micah Richards called it a bad day for referees. City manager Enzo Maresca defended the goal and his players' performance, praising their spirit after Phil Foden's red card left them with ten men for the majority of the match.
Foden's suspension will test City's squad depth in the short term. Their next fixture is a Carabao Cup tie at home to Norwich City on September 17, a game that offers Maresca a chance to rotate and assess his options before the league schedule resumes. Off the pitch, the club also completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi for €100 million, a deal that drew sharp criticism from former players but signals continued investment in the squad.
Rodri has opened up on the difficult decision to reject Real Madrid in favour of a summer move to Barcelona, admitting that the sporting project under Hansi Flick was the deciding factor. The Spanish international opted to leave Manchester City for a return to La Liga, sparking a massive tug-of-war between the two Clasico giants.
John Obi Mikel has strongly criticised Chelsea for their failure to sign a midfield replacement after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. The former midfielder believes this £125 million transfer mistake is directly responsible for Xabi Alonso's defensive issues this season, pointing out that the team desperately misses the injured Moises Caicedo to protect the defence.
The fallout from a controversial Manchester derby continues as Pro Ref officials have confirmed that the VAR team responsible for awarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal has been stood down. Manchester City secured all three points at Old Trafford, but the decision-making process behind the game's only goal has led to significant disciplinary action.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has launched a scathing attack on Bruno Fernandes, labelling the Manchester United captain a "cheat" following his controversial involvement in the derby against Manchester City. The former Aston Villa striker believes United’s eventual defeat was nothing more than footballing 'karma' after the Portuguese international helped engineer a red card for Phil Foden.
Bruno Fernandes has become a pantomime villain in Premier League circles, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why some of the Manchester United captain’s “histrionics” may be putting new and old supporters off. The Portuguese playmaker has generated more lively debate following a controversial derby date with ‘noisy neighbours’ City at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has launched a scathing attack on the use of VAR in the Premier League, demanding the technology be scrapped entirely. The former goalkeeper's outburst follows a controversial Manchester derby where Manchester City secured a 1-0 win thanks to an Erling Haaland goal that officials later admitted should not have stood.
Can I buy Manchester City tickets without a membership?
You must be a club member to purchase an official ticket through the club to see Manchester City play at the Etihad Stadium.
There are two types of Cityzens memberships – Matchday Membership, for adults (ages 18 and above) between £25 and £35, and Junior Membership, for youth supporters (ages 17 and below) at £20.
Memberships offer fans a range of benefits, from priority access to tickets to a discount in the club shop.
Adult
Full Price: £35
Base Membership: £25
Junior
Full Price: £20
How can I buy Manchester City season tickets?
To buy a Manchester City season ticket, you must first be a Cityzens Matchday or Junior Member, as season tickets are not sold to the general public. However, season tickets for the 2025/26 season are currently sold out, and only a limited number of Flexi Season Tickets were offered to eligible members based on their match attendance history and purchase activity.
Renewals for existing ticket holders have closed, and new tickets will not be widely available until at least the 2026/27 season, when the Etihad Stadium expansion is expected to release more seats.
To prepare for future availability, you should purchase a Cityzens Matchday Membership through the official Manchester City website and attend as many home games as possible. Priority for season tickets is based on loyalty and attendance, so building your history now increases your chances.
Flexi Season Tickets, which offer a more flexible commitment while still providing benefits, are another route, but also subject to eligibility.
How hard is it to get Manchester City football match tickets?
Due to high demand, getting your hands on Premier League tickets for Manchester City matches is not easy, though it is typically not as tough as it is for their rivals.
Unsurprisingly, that can lead many fans to head to secondary resale sites such as StubHub in their efforts to bag tickets, though even then, it is not a foregone conclusion.
The best way to get tickets for Manchester City matches is to ensure you have a membership and browse the individual match options available. Remember, games against lower Premier League opposition or non-rivals will likely be easier to find.
How do I buy cheap Manchester City tickets?
The best way to buy cheap Manchester City tickets is from the club's official website, looking for tickets in the more cost-friendly portions of the Etihad Stadium.
Second-hand resale sites such as StubHub and Ticombo may also offer cheap tickets at short notice, with prices likely at their lowest the closer you get to the game.
Can I book a tour of Etihad Stadium?
You can indeed book a tour around the Etihad Stadium. Several websites offer deals and discounts on tours around the Citizens' home.
RedLetterDays currently offer stadium tours from £28 for one adult through £72 for two adults and two children. The time lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes an interactive portion that allows guests to greet a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press room and access the club shop.