One Man City summer arrival is already facing an ‘uncertain’ future, Pep Guardiola will have the final say
The Manchester derby could already be the end of one player’s time at Man City just months into their time at the club.
Pep Guardiola’s side head into the Manchester derby with just one win from their opening three Premier League games.
Brighton defeated Man City 2-1 last time out after Erling Haaland had netted a first half opener, leaving the Citizens in the bottom half of the table.
Man City have failed to beat Man United in their last two Premier League encounters at the Etihad, so Guardiola faces the prospect of remaining below their rivals and the Spaniard needs to make one potentially career defining decision ahead of the match.
Pep Guardiola faces major goalkeeping problem
One major decision for Guardiola for the clash against rivals Man United will be who the Spaniard starts in goal.
Gianluigi Donnarumma signed for Man City on deadline day from PSG after helping them to Champions League glory last season.
| Gianluigi Donnarumma for PSG | Stats |
| Appearances | 161 |
| Clean Sheets | 56 |
| Goals Conceded | 156 |
However, Man City signed James Trafford from Burnley earlier in the window, and the 22-year-old has started all three Premier League fixtures so far.
The Athletic‘s Caoimhe O’Neill [8 September], says the “future looks uncertain at Manchester City,” for Trafford.
“Let’s watch this plot thicken because Donnarumma didn’t sign for City to sit on the bench or act as back-up — but neither did Trafford,” O’Neill said.
“Whoever gets the nod to go in goal when City host rivals Manchester United at the Etihad on September 14 is going to be the protagonist of the first subchapter of this novel of a storyline.”
Trafford made a costly mistake against Spurs in a 2-0 defeat, but bounced back with a strong performance at Brighton.
James Trafford awaits Guardiola’s decision
Guardiola has made life tricky for himself with adding two quality goalkeepers to his ranks over the summer.
Neither will have signed at the Etihad to sit on the bench, and both will be eager to start in one of the Premier League’s biggest derby fixtures.
Ousting Trafford at the first opportunity for Donnarumma would seem a harsh call by Guardiola, and a lack of faith in the young goalkeeper.
However, Donnarumma is a Champions League winner and will be expecting to become the club’s new number one.
Whoever he picks Guardiola may face having to deal with a frustrated player behind closed doors.