Rayan Cherki was among those on the receiving end of a loss courtesy of Manchester United on Saturday afternoon. Michael Carrick, in his first match in charge, picked up a resounding 2-0 Manchester Derby victory and Old Trafford legend Patrice Evra has publicly mocked the Manchester City forward.
A sense of euphoria swept throughout the home contingent at Old Trafford as the full-time whistle was blown. Three of their goals had been disallowed, but there was nothing referee Anthony Taylor could do to prevent the hosts' second-half onslaught.
Back from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty and back in and amongst the goals for the Red Devils, latching onto a pass from the calm and composed Bruno Fernandes before slotting his effort beyond Gianluigi Donnraumma. Patrick Dorgu doubled their lead just 11 minutes after Mbeumo's opener.
rayan cherki
Cherki, who moved to the Etihad Stadium in the summer in a move worth £30 million, had been part of the Olympique Lyonnais team that suffered that stunning defeat to Ruben Amorim's United in the Europa League last season. If you don't remember: Harry Maguire scored late on to secure passage into the semi-finals.
A return to Old Trafford, the iconic ground which hosted one of the greatest comebacks of recent memory, was on the cards for Cherki as his City side travelled across town this weekend. In some sort of revenge plot, Cherki spoke about the prospecting of facing United again once he had made the France-to-England switch.
Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon Related
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Following a training session with his new teammates in the United States in the summer, Cherki said: "I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais. Now I am waiting for the game (to) kill them. I just (wanted) to go to Manchester City."
The 22-year-old was gunning for a win over United on their own turf, but it didn't quite work out after his strong comments were plastered across the internet. Making matters worse, he's now been publicly mocked by Evra, who has reacted to an Instagram video of the fleet-footed forward being harassed by the home supporters at Old Trafford after their 2-0 defeat. Evra wrote:
"Amazing player but when you don't respect United, that's what you get. FOREVRA RED."
Guardiola decided to use Cherki, who earned a reputation as one of football's most unpredictable players during his spell with Lyon in his homeland, off the bench when his side were feeling the heat. The four-cap, one-goal France international replaced Phil Foden at the half-time break but was unable to inspire his side to a victory, despite having 56 touches of the ball.
A maverick footballer, you could see the youngster wanting to get on the ball – but getting something to stick, whether that be a through ball or a floated pass into the box for Erling Haaland, was his primary issue. Zero (0/4) of his crosses were accurate, while he also posted zero (0/2) successful dribbles.
Can Cherki Step Up During Erling Haaland's Rough Patch?
Rayan Cherki in action for Manchester City
Now, the gap between City and table-topping Arsenal has been extended to seven points and a four-match streak without a win has really diminished any chance of them getting their hands on Premier League glory come May. Or has it? We all know the Gunners have been historically poor at holding onto their lead at the summit of the league.
Back to the matter at hand and Guardiola – commonly admired as one of the best managers in football history – needs to find a way to release the burden off the shoulders of Haaland, who is currently going through a rough patch.
The Norway talisman, who is usually a reliable source of goals, has scored once (a penalty against Brighton & Hove Albion) since Christmas. He needs someone of Cherki's ilk to boost him back into life – especially if they are to keep pace with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
Rayan Cherki's 25/26 Premier League Stats vs Man City Squad
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Shots per Match
Key Passes per Match
Dribbles per Match
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Up next for City, the only team to ever win four Premier League titles in a row between 2020/21 and 2023/24, is a mid-week Champions League tie with Bodo/Glimt before hosting Rob Edwards and Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend – which, on paper, should be an easy three points in the bag given how poorly the Old Gold have performed of late.
All statistics per WhoScored – correct as of 18/01/2026