Manchester City will need to rely on their youth players to compete in pre-season matches against Celtic, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea. Since most of their regular starters will be participating in Euro 2024 or the Copa America, City will be missing key players during their time in the USA for pre-season. In order to increase their numbers, several academy players are expected to participate in the USA in July and August. With a season that could see City playing up to 75 games, including the end-of-season Club World Cup, the academy may be more important than ever, with multiple young players expected to be called up this summer. Pep Guardiola expressed regret that he was unable to give centre-back Max Alleyne his debut at Red Star Belgrade during the Champions League last season. Micah Hamilton and Mahamadou Susoho made their debut appearances, but a comeback by Red Star resulted in Alleyne remaining on the sidelines. Additionally, Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has weighed in on Manchester City’s legal action against the Premier League, expressing his understanding. Additionally, the lack of transfer activity may indicate a significant risk taken by Man City despite pleas from Pep Guardiola. Following a setback from an injury towards the end of the season, Alleyne, as well as wingers Justin Oboavwoduo and Joel Ndala, may be taking part in pre-season activities. Both players were members of the team that won the FA Youth Cup last season and were included in the senior team roster for the Club World Cup in December, showing their regular participation in first team training sessions. The upcoming season will be important for two players who are on the verge of moving on from youth football. Jaden Heskey was a standout performer in the Youth Cup victory and may receive a promotion to the senior team this summer. He has the versatility to play in multiple positions, including up front and in midfield. The goal scored by him in the Youth Cup final was assisted by a precise pass from center-back Kian Noble, who is also another player who has the potential to impress Guardiola in the United States. In addition, if Sergio Gomez leaves this summer, left-back Tom Galvez may have the opportunity to play as a full-back.
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