PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB GUIDE
Manchester City
NICKNAME
The Citizens / City
FOUNDED
1880
STADIUM
Etihad Stadium (capacity: 53,400)
CITY
Eastlands, Manchester
COLOURS
Sky blue
CURRENT MANAGER
Pep Guardiola (leaving) → Enzo Maresca (confirmed incoming, summer 2026)
Club History
Manchester City were founded in 1880 as St Mark’s Church. For most of their history they were the second club in Manchester — occasionally exciting but rarely dominant. The Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008 changed football. With Sheikh Mansour’s billions and Pep Guardiola‘s genius from 2016, City became the dominant force in English and European football. Six Premier League titles in nine seasons. The Champions League in 2023. A treble in 2022/23. Guardiola’s legacy at City is unmatched in English football history.
Known For
Pep Guardiola — his ten-year tenure changed English football forever
The Abu Dhabi takeover — transforming a club from mid-table to world-beaters
Erling Haaland — the most prolific striker in Premier League history
Tiki-taka and positional play — their footballing style has influenced every team in England
Oasis — Liam and Noel Gallagher are fans, which has given City a cool cultural cachet
The Aguero moment — the most dramatic title-winning goal in Premier League history (2012)
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland — Striker
The most extraordinary goal scorer the Premier League has seen. 24 goals in 2025/26. In his first three seasons he rewrote records. Norwegian, relentless and genuinely unlike any other striker in the world.
Kevin De Bruyne — Midfielder
If fit, still the best midfielder in the world. Belgian, creative, with a passing range and vision that make him unique. His partnership with Guardiola defined an era.
Phil Foden — Attacking midfielder
The Manchester-born City academy product who became one of England’s best players. Controversially left out of Tuchel’s England World Cup squad despite being outstanding for City.
Stadium Guide
The Etihad Stadium (officially the City of Manchester Stadium) opened in 2002 for the Commonwealth Games. Capacity 53,400. Located in east Manchester. A large, modern bowl-shaped stadium. The atmosphere has improved dramatically in recent years as City’s success has brought a new generation of passionate fans.
Major Honours
Premier League: 9 (including 2025/26 runner-up — 8 actual wins). FA Cup: 8. League Cup: 9. Champions League: 1 (2023). UEFA Super Cup: 1. Club World Cup: 1.
Rivals
Manchester United (the Manchester derby — bitterest local rivalry), Liverpool.
2025/26 Season
Final position: 2nd — Champions League 🏆 FA Cup winners 🏆 League Cup winners
Despite losing the title to Arsenal, Guardiola’s farewell season was still historic. City won both domestic cup competitions — The FA Cup (beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley) and the League Cup (beating Arsenal) — completing a domestic double. Guardiola’s 20th major trophy in 10 years. Erling Haaland won the Golden Boot with 24 goals.