Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season is intact, but it has come wrapped in significant controversy. A 1-0 win at Old Trafford on September 13 kept them level on 12 points with Arsenal at the top of the table, yet the result has been overshadowed by a VAR error that officials have since admitted should have disallowed Erling Haaland's winning goal. Pro Ref confirmed the VAR team responsible has been stood down for the next round of fixtures, a rare public admission that has done little to quiet the debate.
The win was remarkable for other reasons. Phil Foden was sent off after just 23 minutes, leaving City to defend for the majority of the match with ten men. Haaland's goal, controversial or not, broke the all-time Premier League era derby scoring record previously held by Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero. The Norwegian has since admitted he was aware of the milestone before the match.
Off the pitch, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken travelled to the City Football Academy for a face-to-face meeting with manager Enzo Maresca to discuss Haaland's workload ahead of the Nations League. With City next hosting Norwich City in the Carabao Cup on September 17, managing the striker's minutes will be a consideration. The squad also absorbed a summer of change, with Rodri departing for Barcelona and Enzo Fernandez arriving from Chelsea for a reported £125 million.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has travelled to Manchester for a summit with the City manager Enzo Maresca to discuss the management of star striker Erling Haaland. The meeting, held at the City Football Academy, marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two tacticians as they look to navigate a congested fixture schedule for the prolific forward.
Erling Haaland has cemented his status as a Manchester City legend by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League era of the Manchester derby. The Norwegian striker admitted he was well aware of the milestone before his decisive strike at Old Trafford, helping Enzo Maresca’s side to a gritty victory.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has voiced significant concerns regarding Senne Lammens' ability to lead the club back to the summit of English football. Despite the Belgian goalkeeper establishing himself as the undisputed number one at Old Trafford, Scholes remains unconvinced that the summer signing possesses the elite quality required to anchor a title-winning side.
Phil Foden was "bouncing" in the Manchester City dressing room after watching his teammates secure a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, according to Elliot Anderson. The England star had been sent off just 23 minutes into the contest for a retaliatory kick at Bruno Fernandes, leaving his side to play over 70 minutes with ten men.
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.
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.