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Manchester derby: Maresca hails City’s new midfielders ahead of Old Trafford trip
13th September, 2026 10:02 AM
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight at the club’s successful recruitment drive, highlighting the arrival of Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi as evidence of the club’s ability to rebuild its squad.
City underwent significant changes during the 2026 summer, with Maresca taking charge after Pep Guardiola ended his remarkable spell at the Etihad in May. The club also parted company with several experienced stars, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Rodri and Nathan Ake, who all left for opportunities overseas.
Despite the scale of those departures, City moved quickly to reshape their squad. Anderson, Fernández and Bouaddi were among the key additions as the club sought to maintain its competitive level while introducing a new generation of players.
Maresca believes the transition reflects the long-term planning that has been central to City’s recruitment strategy under former football director Txiki Begiristain and his successor, Hugo Viana.
Speaking before Sunday’s, September 13, 2026, Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Maresca said he was particularly pleased with the quality of the three midfielders brought into the squad.
“I said already I feel very lucky because these three players arrive – the three midfielders Elliot, Enzo and Ayyoub,” Maresca said.
He pointed to City’s previous success in replacing major figures as another indication of the club’s strength in squad planning.
“I also said that this club when Sergio Aguero left everyone was worried, [then] Erling arrived.
“Fernandinho [left] – Rodri [had] arrived – David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne [had] arrived.
“So, one of the big achievements of this club is to replace these big players and it’s not easy.
“Before Txiki [Begiristain] when he was here, now the club with Hugo [Viana we achieve it].
“So, I feel very lucky for sure as it’s not easy to replace these players as they are top players.”
Maresca also dismissed the idea that transfer fees should be used to assess the quality or potential of new signings, arguing that the players themselves are more important than their price tags.
“I don’t pay much attention about the price because I don’t pay the money. It’s more about good players.
“The ones arrive here – and the ones that arrive at United – they are all top players.
“This is the most important thing.
“How much the club pay for them I already said I think it’s not correct to judge players on how much we pay because the market now is crazy.”
The early signs from City’s new-look squad have been encouraging. The team have won all three of their opening Premier League matches and sit second in the standings ahead of their trip across Manchester.
City also made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, defeating FC Porto 2-0 away from home during the week.
The performances of Anderson, Fernández and Bouaddi have already attracted attention, with all three making an early impression in midfield.
Maresca, however, stressed that their development as a unit will depend on their continued work together and their ability to contribute whenever they are selected.
“[It has been] Very good. It’s the day by day [work] that defines the relationship between them,” Maresca added.
“They are working well. We saw the other day [in Porto] starting with Ayyoub and Enzo; the game before that [at home to Coventry] it was Enzo and Elliot.
“It’s important that when we decide which players are going to start, they are ready and then we need them from the bench and that they are going to be ready.”
Anderson is expected to play an important role in the derby, but Maresca insisted that City will require a collective effort if they are to secure victory at Old Trafford.
“[Yes, Elliot will be] very important. But not only Elliot.
“For sure he will be one of the main players if we decide for him to start [at United].
“But not only him – we need a complete performance to win there,” he added.
