Joe Bray
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joebray.bsky.social
Joe Bray
@joebray.bsky.social
Football journalist. Former Manchester City Writer, Manchester Evening News
Haaland signs up until 2034. Stunning deal for #mcfc just as they agree a transfer for Marmoush. What a January they are having.

Haaland's commitment goes further than smashing Shearer's PL record - it's a huge show of confidence in the club and Pep: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Real Madrid blow, 115 charges - What Haaland contract really means for Man City
Erling Haaland has signed a sensational new contract at Manchester City until 2034, effectively ending links to Real Madrid in the future.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
January 17, 2025 at 9:38 AM
City will recall Issa Kabore from Benfica but he will go back out on loan rather than support the first team. Other loan exits from fringe/academy players not expected this month, but also not ruled out. #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City make recall decision on right-back and decide on next steps
Manchester City have recalled one of their on-loan defenders after a nightmare spell since leaving in the summer.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
January 2, 2025 at 12:40 PM
City need a January transfer who is available, affordable, can make an instant impact and be an option for the future.

They could also do with that player to cover Rodri, Gundogan and De Bruyne roles.

Not an easy transfer search... #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City's next signing must replace three players and have three qualities
Manchester City cannot find a way out of their slump as the January transfer window prepares to open.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 28, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Remember that Rodri/Nike ad that said: 'Win so much you forget how to lose'?

#mcfc have lost so much without Rodri they've forgotten how to win.

They should act in January to avoid putting even more pressure on Rodri when he returns. ⬇️
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
De Bruyne has already told City transfer priority amid uncomfortable Rodri truth
Manchester City have struggled without Rodri but he will need time on his return
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 20, 2024 at 8:38 AM
City are training their full-backs to model their game on midfielder Rodri in the academy - an approach that is paying off recently for right-back Lakyle Samuel, who is discovering a goal threat he never knew he had. #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
'Whatever it takes' - Meet the Man City right-back pushing Walker and Lewis
The Manchester Evening News spoke to Manchester City defender Lakyle Samuel, who is adapting his game on Rodri just as much as right-back Kyle Walker.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 18, 2024 at 9:21 AM
Had some interesting replies over the weekend about what exactly is going wrong for City.

It all starts with injuries, but there has been mention of transfers, age, confidence, and even some of Pep's decisions.

So City fans - what is the main reason for the drop in form? #mcfc
December 16, 2024 at 2:27 PM
Familiar story for #mcfc at Juventus last night. Solid enough, but all crumbled after another mistake.

More concerning is the reaction of their captains on the pitch. When the squad need a united front they are getting mixed messages.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
De Bruyne strop after latest Man City shambles gives Pep a new problem
Manchester City lost at Juventus in the Champions League to prolong their poor run ahead of Sunday's derby vs Manchester United.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 7:35 AM
Jack Grealish last started a Premier League game in attacking midfield for #mcfc on his debut for the club.

138 games later, he looked more like the player they signed from Aston Villa last night, back in his preferred position. Coincidence?

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City found Jack Grealish's best position after three years - it was obvious
Manchester City are back to winning ways and looked like a Manchester City side for the first time in eight games - helped by one returning hero and another surprising midfield creator.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Good news: De Bruyne is back for City, starting his first game since September.

Bad news: Foden has bronchitis so misses out. Walker and Ederson benched. #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Why Phil Foden is not in Man City squad vs Nottingham Forest
Phil Foden has added to Manchester City's injury issues as he did not arrive at the Etihad Stadium for the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 6:59 PM
There was a Liverpool free kick yesterday when Virgil Van Dijk came up, sized up Kyle Walker, dropped a shoulder, and powered a free header just wide.

Walker ended up 5yds away and started blaming someone else. It summed up a gutless first half. #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
I saw the Kyle Walker moment that typified City's worrying lack of fight
The moments you might have missed from Manchester City's defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
December 2, 2024 at 8:44 AM
How do you analyse that from City today?

Pep took out the players who were making mistakes and the players who replaced them were at fault for the goals.

It's not just the defending though, there is a lack of desire, awful body language and no sign of where the next goal is coming from. #mcfc
December 1, 2024 at 6:25 PM
This was Guardiola immediately after City blew their 3-0 lead over Feyenoord. He later admitted the tension of the game prompted him to scratch his face and head.

City in all sorts of trouble and can't buy a win - even when they've done all the hard work. #mcfc
November 27, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Bernardo Silva back on the right wing and already City feel more like themselves. Grealish on the left and the attack is back to the treble winning front three. #mcfc
November 26, 2024 at 8:03 PM
Reigan Heskey got a brace and sub Ryan McAidoo netted an 18-minute hat-trick as City put one foot in the Youth League knockout stages infront of Txiki Begiristain. #mcfc
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
City 16-year-old ace nets sensational 18-minute hat-trick as Heskey shines again
Manchester City are on the brink of UEFA Youth League football in the New Year after a comprehensive win over Feyenoord.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
November 26, 2024 at 5:43 PM
Fairly sure we recorded a podcast in the summer where I confidently predicted Leicester would stay up because they had Steve Cooper in charge, and Nottingham Forest would struggle because they don't.

Another one spot on. 👍
November 24, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Sure, City are decimated by injuries. But their rivals' reactions to the Spurs defeat shows that the Blues have lost their aura of invincibility.

Piece on all the factors going against #mcfc and why the mentality issue is bigger than any injury:
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool reaction, Haaland question - Man City problem is deeper than injuries
After five defeats in a row, the worst coming on Saturday against Tottenham, we look at the reasons for Manchester City's sudden slump in form.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
November 24, 2024 at 12:30 PM
Even when City have lost in the past, they've still looked like themselves.

Most worrying thing about this losing streak is they look nothing like the team who normally drag themselves out of trouble.

Pep's biggest challenge yet? #mcfc
November 23, 2024 at 7:37 PM
Now a blind pass into trouble from Gvardiol. Great start turns into a nightmare for #mcfc - already down on confidence.
Gvardiol didn't fancy defending that long ball did he.

Another preventable goal conceded by City. Had been a much improved start. #mcfc
November 23, 2024 at 5:52 PM
Gvardiol didn't fancy defending that long ball did he.

Another preventable goal conceded by City. Had been a much improved start. #mcfc
November 23, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Big night for Ilkay Gundogan after a slow start to his second City spell. Probably used more than Guardiola would have liked - and now he has to step up with Kovacic out.

Can play a big role in kick-starting the season for him and his team vs Spurs. #mcfc
November 23, 2024 at 5:31 PM
📰 City are front page news on the MEN today.. but not Pep's new contract - the story of Barnby the dog who has a season ticket at the Etihad! 🔗⬇️ #mcfc

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
November 20, 2024 at 10:33 AM
Joining the bandwagon over here on Bluesky.

Let's start with a chat with City youngster Jaden Heskey on:

🇪🇸 His City debut vs Barcelona
🇺🇸 Being starstruck on tour
🤝 Grealish's message
👨‍👦 Pride at dad Emile's career
📈 Making his own name in the game
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/footba...
What my dad did was incredible - now I'm making my own name at Man City
Manchester City have a proud record of playing famous sons of big names - now the Heskey family is the latest to
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
November 16, 2024 at 8:52 AM