Rayan Cherki is already targeting Manchester United as he prepares for his first season at Manchester City. The 21-year-old French forward joined the Premier League champions from Lyon in a deal worth £30.9 million and signed a five-year contract. He was one of four new arrivals during the early stages of the summer transfer window as City strengthened their squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Cherki, who is expected to make his debut for City during their preseason tour in the United States, spoke about his determination to face Manchester United after they knocked Lyon out of the Europa League. “I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game versus Lyon because I am Lyonnais,” he said. “And now I wait for the game [against United] to kill them.”
Fuelled by Europa League heartbreak
Manchester United eliminated Cherki’s Lyon in the 2024–25 Europa League quarterfinals after a dramatic second-leg comeback at Old Trafford. Despite Cherki scoring twice over the two matches, Lyon fell short as United advanced with a 7–6 aggregate victory. That disappointment still lingers for the French attacker, who is eager to face United again – this time as part of their city rivals.
City themselves were unable to get the better of United in either of their Premier League matches last season. Cherki is hopeful he can help turn the tide in City’s favour when the two clubs meet again in the upcoming campaign.
Looking to grow under Guardiola
Before getting his chance to compete in a Manchester derby, Cherki is focused on adapting to life under Pep Guardiola. He believes last season was his best so far, with 12 goals and 20 assists for Lyon across all competitions. Reflecting on his form, he said, “I think I had the best season of my career, managed to make people talk only about good things: my passes, dribbling. I’m satisfied with my season, even if I can do 18 times better.”
Cherki highlighted his growth in several areas, noting improvements in his efficiency, defensive contributions, and off-the-ball work. Now, he’s eager to take another step forward under Guardiola’s guidance.
The opportunity to join Manchester City was a straightforward choice for Cherki, who praised both the club’s ambitions and the clarity of Guardiola’s vision. “[Guardiola] was very, very clear: the system, the club, the city is very good,” Cherki said. “I want to win and I think Manchester City wants to win it all and, for me, that’s better.”
