EPL

Enzo Fernandez handed surprise Man City debut despite not being named in starting XI

Luke Oluoch 05th September, 2026 05:21 PM

EPL’s record signing, Enzo Fernández, has been handed a surprise start and will make his Manchester City debut in the Matchday 3 clash against Coventry City, which has just kicked off at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, September 5, 2026.

City’s most expensive signing and the Premier League’s record transfer—was among the players lining up in the tunnel ahead of kickoff. Originally named among the substitutes, the Argentine earned his place in the starting lineup following an injury to Nico O’Reilly during the pre-match warm-up.

Enzo’s debut comes barely two days after completing his record-breaking switch from Chelsea to Manchester City. The midfielder was slotted in as the late replacement for the English youngster to partner Elliot Anderson in the heart of midfield.

The clash also has City’s new Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye, who dons the No. 7 jersey, make his debut. Fernandez was handed the No. 17 jersey following his big-money arrival at the Etihad.

Enzo Fernandez signed his contract to become a Manchester City player on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/mancity/photos

This marks his first competitive appearance since the 2026 World Cup final, where he was red-carded during Argentina’s loss to Spain at New York’s MetLife Stadium.

City starting XI vs Coventry: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Anderson, O’Reilly, Ndiaye, Cherki, Semenyo, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Kovačić, Fernández, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Bouaddi, Foden, McAidoo, Lewis.