Manchester City’s new recruit Rayan Cherki endured a challenging first outing in the Club World Cup clash against Wydad Casablanca, as Pep Guardiola’s team picked up a 2-0 victory in Philadelphia. The French midfielder, a recent signing from Lyon for £34 million, started the match in the number 8 role but failed to leave a strong impression.
Phil Foden found the net early, setting the tone for the game, but Cherki struggled to find his rhythm. In a midfield that featured fellow summer arrival Tijjani Reijnders, the Frenchman had difficulty linking up with forwards Savinho, Jeremie Doku, and Omar Marmoush. Pressed hard by Wydad, Cherki managed only 22 touches and lost possession 10 times—more than any of his teammates.
Cherki’s performance quickly sparked reactions across social media, with rival fans mocking his display. Some labeled the debut a “stinker,” while others offered a more measured take, suggesting nerves and eagerness may have played a role in the underwhelming showing. He was substituted for Erling Haaland around the 60-minute mark.
Guardiola addressed the media post-match, offering support to Cherki and underlining the need for patience. He acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Kevin de Bruyne, who recently joined Napoli after a decade at the Etihad, but emphasized that Cherki has special attributes—particularly his creativity around the box.
The City manager also praised Reijnders for his composure and noted that both newcomers will need time to adjust to the team’s style. Guardiola admitted that conditions weren’t ideal for a debut but maintained confidence in Cherki’s long-term value.
The Club World Cup outing may not have been the dream debut Cherki hoped for, especially after boldly claiming earlier in the week that he planned to “kill” Manchester United in their upcoming Premier League meeting. Still, Guardiola’s words signal that the 20-year-old will be given the time and trust to grow into his role at City.
As Manchester City progresses in the tournament and prepares for the new season, all eyes will remain on how quickly Cherki can settle and live up to expectations in Guardiola’s high-demand system.