‘He’s not what he used to be’ – Micah Richards names Man City starter who could kill title bid
Manchester City have been told that one of their senior starters is not what he used to be by former defender Micah Richards.
Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday (14 September), to get their Premier League campaign back on track.
Man City had won just one of their first three league games, but a Phil Foden goal, followed by an Erling Haaland brace, ensured that they secured all three points in the derby.
However, despite the dominant scoreline, Ruben Amorim’s side did have their opportunities on the break, and a better team may have capitalised on several City mistakes.
Micah Richards criticises Bernardo Silva’s energy
Man City are already six points adrift of Liverpool in the table and face a big challenge if they want to wrestle the Premier League title back from Arne Slot’s side.
The Citizens went into the derby following defeats against Tottenham and Brighton, but were able to put their poor form behind them and ease past their rivals.
However, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, ex-Man City full-back Richards insisted that his former side weren’t yet back to their best, and that one player in particular is a weakness.
He said: “I still think the press is a little bit off. I thought in the game yesterday, if Man United were a little bit cuter when they broke that line in midfield, then Man City may have got punished.
“Bernardo Silva is a very good player, but he’s not giving what he used to give in terms of that energy.”
Man City race Man United for highly rated defender
Meanwhile, Man City could be set to race Man United for Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, sources have told Football Insider.
Both clubs were busy during the summer and have addressed key areas of their squad, but are also aware of areas of weakness that they failed to address.
Dumfries has emerged as a target for the two Manchester sides, who remain keen to strengthen at right-back.
However, City could walk away from the deal due to concerns over age, which would leave the door open for Amorim’s side to swoop in.
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