The roar of the Etihad Stadium is set to reverberate once more as Manchester City prepare to face rivals Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown on September 14, 2025. At the heart of City’s ambitions stands Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker whose goal-scoring prowess continues to define the club’s attack. Yet, in a candid reflection, Haaland has acknowledged that this Manchester City side is “not the same team anymore,” signaling a new phase under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship. As the team navigates a transitional period marked by key departures and fresh faces, Haaland’s insights and on-field dominance offer a glimpse into a squad determined to maintain its Premier League dominance while adapting to change.
Haaland, who has already notched five goals and two assists in the early weeks of the 2025-26 season, remains the focal point of City’s attack. His blistering form was on full display in a 4-0 rout of Wolves on the opening weekend, where he scored twice, and he continued his scoring spree with four goals in a single match for Norway during the international break. “We are not the same team anymore and we must adapt a little,” Haaland told reporters, reflecting on the squad’s evolution. The departure of key figures like İlkay Gündoğan, now back at City after a stint with Barcelona, and the exit of assistant coaches Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens have reshaped the team’s dynamics. In their place, former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders and ex-City defender Kolo Touré have joined Guardiola’s staff, bringing fresh perspectives to the backroom.
This new phase under Guardiola comes after a summer of significant squad turnover. The arrivals of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, winger Omar Marmoush, and midfielder Rayan Cherki signal City’s intent to blend youth with experience, but injuries to Marmoush and doubts over John Stones’ fitness for the United clash add complexity to the transition. Guardiola himself praised the returning trio of Ederson, Gündoğan, and Manuel Akanji, stating, “It’s unthinkable what we would do without them. Eddie helped us create a special way. He’s the best keeper. Gundo the same. He is a smart, intelligent player and Manu for the same reason.” Despite the changes, Haaland remains optimistic about City’s prospects, emphasizing the need to adapt to new strategies and personnel to maintain their edge.
City’s historical edge over United—winning five of their last eight Premier League encounters—adds spice to the upcoming derby, though United’s ability to inflict 25% of Guardiola’s home league defeats as City boss keeps the rivalry fierce. Haaland, valued at a staggering £156m, towers over his teammates in market value and on-field impact, his 22 Premier League goals from the previous season a testament to his lethal finishing. Yet, the striker’s comments hint at a broader challenge: City must evolve without losing the precision and cohesion that defined their four consecutive Premier League titles. “Everyone has to stay in the right place, the ball will arrive, movements will develop,” former City star Riyad Mahrez once said of Guardiola’s system, a philosophy Haaland and his teammates are working to uphold amidst the changes.
The shift in City’s identity is not just tactical but cultural. Lijnders, who helped craft Liverpool’s high-pressing game under Jürgen Klopp, brings an intensity that aligns with Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Touré, a City legend, adds a layer of club heritage to the coaching staff, fostering a connection to the fans. Off the pitch, City’s recruitment strategy has drawn scrutiny, with some pointing to the £150m spent on Rodri’s backups and three centre-backs signed in January as evidence of a squad in flux. Yet, Haaland’s presence ensures a constant threat, his physicality and clinical finishing a nightmare for defenders like United’s.
As City prepare for the derby, the focus is on translating their new-look squad into results. Haaland’s leadership, both in words and actions, will be crucial. His ability to adapt to Guardiola’s evolving blueprint—described by the manager as a “special way” built around key players—could define City’s season. With the Premier League title race already heating up, the clash against United offers a chance to assert dominance and prove that, while not the same team, City remain a force to be reckoned with. For Haaland, it’s another opportunity to etch his name into the annals of Manchester City’s storied history, one goal at a time.
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