Man Utd have transfer decision to make over Dean Henderson
Pep Guardiola gave the first indication that his thoughts have already turned to the Champions League after conceding the title to Liverpool.
Manchester City’s hopes of winning a hat-trick of Premier League crowns may have come to an end – but the challenge of conquering Europe for the first time remains.
And Guardiola’s concern about his side’s troubles from the penalty spot pointed to his shifting priorities.
Gabriel Jesus’ saved effort against Sheffield United was the third time City have missed from the spot this season.
The Brazil striker has personally failed to score with three of his last five efforts in the league.
Guardiola is now ready to step-in as he fears such wastefulness could cost his side dearly – particularly with the knockout stages of the Champions League fast approaching.
“I have to reflect on it,” he said after the 1-0 win at Bramall Lane. “I always give confidence to the players to take it, but maybe I have to take the decision which guy is going to take it.
“Not because of Gabriel today, because Sergio (Aguero) and Raheem (Sterling) have missed too. But we are not safe.
“In this knockout stage (of the season), it’s so important these kind of details make the difference most of the time.
“We have to reflect on it. I have to make the decision the guy who will take the penalty.”
But despite claiming Ederson is his most clinical finisher from the spot, don’t expect the goalkeeper to step up if the opportunity arises at the Bernabeu.
United have a decision to make
Dean Henderson’s outstanding performance underlined the potential of the Manchester United goalkeeper, currently on-loan at Sheffield United.
He looks every bit the modern No1 – with his distribution particularly impressive.
If there is one area David de Gea needs to improve upon, it’s his kicking.
Talks are on-going about an extension to Henderson’s loan at Bramall Lane – but before long, he could provide a clear and present threat to De Gea’s position at Old Trafford.
Laporte boost
Aymeric Laporte’s return from a serious knee injury is like a new signing for City.
It cannot be underestimated just how much his absence impacted on the champions’ ability to mount a genuine challenge to Liverpool.
Guardiola’s back-to-back title-winners were effectively shorn of their first choice central defence in the space of a matter of weeks.
First Vincent Kompany opted to walk away from the Etihad in pursuit of his managerial ambitions. Then Laporte broke down with injury in August.
By that point, City were undefeated.
They went on to lose their very next game against Norwich – and in the absence of their best defender have lost five times in total.
How would Liverpool have coped without Virgil van Dijk for so long.
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