Man City 2026-27 season preview: Enzo Maresca has uphill battle ahead & Erling Haaland under more pressure than ever to deliver
Ryan McAidoo made his senior debut for City last season, and marked the occasion with a goal in a thumping 10-1 victory over Exeter in the FA Cup. The 18-year-old also registered 25 goal involvements across all youth competitions in 2025-26, and played 91 minutes in City’s FA Youth Cup final win over Man Utd.
Maresca drafted the youngster into his squad for the pre-season clash with Inter in Hong Kong, and threw him in as a half-time substitute. Operating from the right-flank, McAidoo proceeded to terrorise the Inter backline at every opportunity, showing off his blistering speed and dazzling footwork.
The England U18 international, who joined City from Chelsea two years ago, came agonisingly close to firing the winning goal in normal time, too, clipping a shot against the post after a brilliant run. Unfortunately, McAidoo was subsequently laid low with a shoulder injury that kept him out of City’s remaining pre-season games, but Maresca had seen enough.
“One of the surprises has been Ryan McAidoo, that no one expected,” said the City boss. “I think for him the best thing is to stay with us, to learn, be around the first-team everyday, try to learn from Antoine [Semenyo], from Jeremy [Doku], in terms of attitude, how to work hard.”
Maresca added: “He is that kind of winger I love. Very aggressive one v one, always trying, making the right decision.” It’s safe to say we will see a lot more of McAidoo in the coming months; he’s too good to remain in the shadows at City any longer.
