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Manchester United have completed the £47.2m signing of goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.

Onana has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further year, as he replaces the departed David De Gea, who left the club after 12 years as the club’s first-choice stopper.

The transfer fee for the 27-year-old Cameroon international is an initial €51m (£43.8m), plus €4m (£3.4m) in potential add-ons, depending on individual and club performance.

United boss Erik ten Hag worked with Onana at Ajax, where they won three league titles and two KNVB Cups together and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

The goalkeeper, who has kept 104 clean sheets in 255 appearances throughout his club career, joined Inter Milan in 2022 and won the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro.

“To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way,” Onana said.

“Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates, and new ambitions to fight for.

“Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years. I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club.”

Kaveh: Ten Hag has the goalkeeper he wants

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Erik ten Hag has got the goalkeeper he wants for next season. You have to say it’s an incredible deal for Inter Milan, because they signed Onana last summer on a free transfer and are now selling him for up to almost £48m.

“Ten Hag knows him well because he worked with him at Ajax.

“He’s a modern goalkeeper. He can play out from the back, is very comfortable on the ball and likes to take risks – so many, in fact, he was sent home from the World Cup by the manager of Cameroon because he was unhappy with how much he was playing out.

“He’s a bit of a contrast from David De Gea. Everyone talks about how you need a goalkeeper who’s comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back in modern football, and Onana can certainly do that – he was exceptional for Inter, helping them get to the Champions League final.

“He has had a bit of history with Ten Hag before, they fell out a couple of times at Ajax and he was dropped, and he also served a nine-month ban for a doping violation, but Ten Hag wanted a new goalkeeper and he’s got his man.”

Analysis: Why Onana can elevate Man Utd

Sky Sports digital football journalist Zinny Boswell:

“Andre Onana represents the modern goalkeeper. He can play with his feet, he’s mobile which allows him to play as a sweeper ‘keeper. But most importantly, he’s confident. That’s going to be the key for him at Man Utd. They’ll hope he will be able to deal with what Gary Neville describes as the most pressurised role in English football.

“The key thing behind Onana’s arrival will be that he unlocks Man Utd’s build-up play. We saw Lisandro Martinez arrive last season from Ajax and it just had such a big impact on the confidence of the team when playing out from the back. We’ve also seen David De Gea’s shortcomings in that area hold the team back.

“Looking at the stats, Onana outperforms De Gea across passing frequency, passing accuracy, long passes and long passing accuracy. But we can also see that Onana tends to go short more often. In terms of the way Ten Hag is trying to play, with the aim of controlling games, Onana will be the perfect goalkeeper for the Dutchman.

“If the goalkeeper is stuttering over his passes that spreads throughout the team. As we’ve seen with Man Utd over the last season they’ve been pretty fragile at times. They could do with a bit of confidence at the back.”

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer ahead of the transfer window closing at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports‘ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to (€55m) £47.2m for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The breakthrough follows days of talks between the clubs, with the deal including an initial fee of €51m (£43.8m), plus €4m (£3.4m) in potential add-ons, depending on individual and club performance.

Onana flew to England on Tuesday for a medical and formally sign his Manchester United contract.

If everything can be done in time, it is hoped the goalkeeper can fly with the squad for the club’s pre-season tour. United play Lyon at Murrayfield on Wednesday before flying to the US after the game, where they stay until the end of July.

Onana has made clear his intention to move to Old Trafford and reunite with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, who is driving the move for the 27-year-old.

United are also exploring the signing of Japan ‘keeper Zion Suzuki from Urawa Red Diamonds after David De Gea failed to agree terms on a new contract and announced his exit on a free transfer earlier this month.

Kaveh: Ten Hag has the goalkeeper he wants

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Erik ten Hag has got the goalkeeper he wants for next season. You have to say it’s an incredible deal for Inter Milan, because they signed Onana last summer on a free transfer and are now selling him for up to almost £48m.

“Ten Hag knows him well because he worked with him at Ajax.

“He’s a modern goalkeeper. He can play out from the back, is very comfortable on the ball and likes to take risks – so many, in fact, he was sent home from the World Cup by the manager of Cameroon because he was unhappy with how much he was playing out.

“He’s a bit of a contrast from David De Gea. Everyone talks about how you need a goalkeeper who’s comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back in modern football, and Onana can certainly do that – he was exceptional for Inter, helping them get to the Champions League final.

“He has had a bit of history with Ten Hag before, they fell out a couple of times at Ajax and he was dropped, and he also served a nine-month ban for a doping violation, but Ten Hag wanted a new goalkeeper and he’s got his man.”

Analysis: Why Onana can elevate Man Utd

Sky Sports digital football journalist Zinny Boswell:

“Andre Onana represents the modern goalkeeper. He can play with his feet, he’s mobile which allows him to play as a sweeper ‘keeper. But most importantly, he’s confident. That’s going to be the key for him at Man Utd. They’ll hope he will be able to deal with what Gary Neville describes as the most pressurised role in English football.

“The key thing behind Onana’s arrival will be that he unlocks Man Utd’s build-up play. We saw Lisandro Martinez arrive last season from Ajax and it just had such a big impact on the confidence of the team when playing out from the back. We’ve also seen David De Gea’s shortcomings in that area hold the team back.

“Looking at the stats, Onana outperforms De Gea across passing frequency, passing accuracy, long passes and long passing accuracy. But we can also see that Onana tends to go short more often. In terms of the way Ten Hag is trying to play, with the aim of controlling games, Onana will be the perfect goalkeeper for the Dutchman.

“If the goalkeeper is stuttering over his passes that spreads throughout the team. As we’ve seen with Man Utd over the last season they’ve been pretty fragile at times. They could do with a bit of confidence at the back.”

West Ham interested in McTominay

West Ham are interested in midfielder Scott McTominay, though United have yet to receive any official bids.

The Scotland international has two years left on his contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

Elsewhere, dialogue remains open with Galatasaray over the signing of midfielder Fred, with early suggestions indicating a gap in valuation.

Fulham enquired earlier in the window and remain interested – but not at the current asking price – while clubs from Saudi Arabia are also thought to be keen.

Fred has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.

United will sanction the re-opening of talks with Nottingham Forest over Dean Henderson, but only if they can complete a deal for Onana.

Everton also remain in talks with United over the signing of Anthony Elanga.

United remain in talks with Atalanta over Hojlund

Man Utd’s focus is on Onana for now but they still hope to get a deal done for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

There is a willingness from all parties to get a deal done, with Hojlund keen on the move.

If there are departures in defence and midfield, United will look at their options.

They remain interested in Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. The Morocco international played under Ten Hag at Utrecht.

Is Hojlund the new Haaland? Man Utd target analysed

Manchester United target Rasmus Hojlund has been compared to Erling Haaland.

With exclusive insight from those who have worked with the Atalanta striker, Adam Bate finds out why the Dane is described as a rock-star footballer and the total package…

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

Romelu Lukaku did not join up with Chelsea for pre-season on Wednesday as originally planned.

The decision for the forward to not link up with the Chelsea squad was mutually agreed by Lukaku and the club.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino previously said he expected all returning players, including Lukaku, to come to his office for an introductory conversation.

All parties agree the right option is for the Belgium striker to move on, with Lukaku favouring a move to Inter Milan despite interest from Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea hope that delaying his return to London will allow the clubs more time to find a solution.

Inter are yet to agree a deal with Chelsea but negotiations are ongoing. Chelsea leave for their US tour on 17 July and hope a deal can be reached before then.

Chelsea start season against Liverpool, live on Sky

Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of Chelsea for the first time when they start the 2023/24 Premier League season at home to Liverpool, live on Sky Sports, on Sunday August 13.

Chelsea then head to London rivals West Ham on August 19 before welcoming newly promoted Luton Town to Stamford Bridge on August 26.

Pochettino, who begins his role with the Blues on July 1, will visit his former club Tottenham on November 4 with the return fixture scheduled for February 24.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News

Juventus have held talks with Chelsea over the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku.

Inter Milan have made it clear they want Lukaku to return to the San Siro, but have yet to make a satisfactory offer to Chelsea for the Belgium international frontman.

It is thought Inter may need to raise money from potential player sales in order to fund a move for Lukaku.

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal also remain interested in signing the 30-year-old, who signed for Chelsea from Inter for £97.5m in August 2021. Inter remain in talks with Manchester United over the transfer of keeper Andre Onana.

Speaking at his press conference after taking charge at Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino said he expects Chelsea’s forgotten striker Lukaku to report back for pre-season next week.

Lukaku spent last season on loan at Inter after he fell out of favour at Chelsea following a controversial interview in which he said he was not happy under former head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The striker wants to remain in Italy, but it is unclear whether Inter have enough funds to meet Chelsea’s demands.

“He needs to come back July 12-13 to be part of the squad to start pre-season,” Pochettino said.

“With all the players that arrive, the first thing they do is to come to my office and say hello. That’s what I expect if he’s still a Chelsea player.”

AC Milan agree deal with Chelsea for Pulisic

Meanwhile, AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic for a fee understood to be €22m.

Pulisic has been given permission to have a medical with the seven-time European champions and finalise personal terms.

Chelsea have also negotiated a significant sell-on percentage on any future transfer.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News

Manchester United remain in dialogue with Inter Milan as they work to find a compromise over the fee for Andre Onana, which could be in the region of £45m (€52.5m) inclusive of add-ons.

The Serie A side’s total valuation for their goalkeeper is £51m (€60m) and their public stance is he will remain at the club unless that figure is met.

There is optimism, however, United can find a compromise with a willingness from all parties to get a deal done.

United’s opening bid of £38.5m (€45m) was duly rejected but sources close to the player believe there is a desire from all parties to reach a resolution before Onana is due to report for Inter’s pre-season on July 13.

Inter director Piero Ausilio has intimated offers for Onana will be evaluated as they attempt to raise money to fund a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

Onana has made clear his intention to move to Old Trafford and reunite with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, who is driving the move for the 27-year-old.

Sky Sports News has been told there is optimism a proposal of around £40m up front plus £5m in add-ons (€52.5m) could get a deal over the line.

United have been very strong on not bending their price points on targets this summer.

Onana’s desire to join the club, plus his suitability for and understanding of Ten Hag’s demands in the position, makes him their top goalkeeping target.

However, United continue to do due diligence on other options – Justin Bijlow, David Raya and Diogo Costa have been among them – in case common ground with Inter cannot be found.

United exploring Suzuki deal

United are also looking to recruit a number two goalkeeper and are exploring a deal for Zion Suzuki of Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

The 20-year-old has already won a senior cap for Japan.

With United pursuing two goalkeepers, it now seems increasingly unlikely David de Gea will be signing a new contract.

The Spaniard is a free agent after his contract expired last week.

Man Utd continue positive Hojlund talks

Manchester United also continue to hold positive talks with Atalanta over the signing of striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Like Onana, discussions centre on the fee and structure of payments.

United are encouraged by the Dane’s willingness to join with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

‘Goalkeeper and striker now priorities for Man Utd’

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:

“It looks like Manchester United’s two priority positions are goalkeeper and striker now. Where the goalkeeper situation sits on the priority list seems to be fluctuating nearly every single week with David de Gea’s future so uncertain. He’s obviously now out of contract but we’ve been told dialogue remains open between the club and De Gea over a new contract.

“But United, as any big club would do in that situation, are doing due diligence on other goalkeepers and they have made a move now for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana. There is a gap in valuation, though, with Inter understood to want around €60m (£51m).

“There is a feeling that a compromise can be struck but if it can’t, United will look at alternatives to Onana while the De Gea situation is lurking in the background.

“As for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, a gap in valuation exists in that deal too, but United are continuing to work on it.”

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

Chelsea continue to explore the market for a midfielder and are expected to formalise their interest in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo soon.

It is thought Chelsea are getting encouragement the player would join if a deal can be agreed between the clubs, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

Chelsea were interested in signing Caicedo in January but the 21-year-old Ecuador international opted to sign a new deal at Brighton before helping deliver a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

One source has told Sky Sports News that Chelsea are also looking at Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, who has been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal this summer.

Inter working on Lukaku deal

Inter Milan continue to work on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea’s stance remains unchanged and they have no intention of allowing the 30-year-old Belgium international to leave on a straight loan.

Inter are thought to favour a loan with an obligation to buy Lukaku, who wants to return to the San Siro after spending last season on loan at the Champions League finalists.

Milan working on Pulisic move

AC Milan are still working on a deal for Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic.

No official offer has been made yet, but it’s thought Pulisic would favour a move to Milan over Lyon.

Lyon have an offer on the table worth €25m for the 24-year-old United States international.

Azpilicueta nearing Chelsea exit

Chelsea are close to agreeing a mutual termination of the final year in captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s contract.

The 33-year-old will then be a free agent and is expected to join Atletico Madrid.

Negotiations have been excellent with strong mutual respect between club and player, who captained Chelsea to their second Champions League title in 2021.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

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Manchester City completed the treble with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Rodri’s side-footed finish midway through the second half broke Inter’s resistance and though Federico Dimarco hit the crossbar with a header before Ederson saved sensationally from Romelu Lukaku, City held on to make history in the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

Having already overhauled Arsenal to retain the Premier League trophy and beaten Manchester United to lift the FA Cup at Wembley, this victory saw them match the achievement of their city rivals in 1999. Pep Guardiola was in tears afterwards.

The Catalan coach has won it all at City but this was the one they have been waiting for – champions of Europe for the first time. For Guardiola, it ends his 12-year wait to win the competition for a third time as a coach and a fourth time overall.

How Man City made history in Turkey

It was tight and it was tense. Fraught with jeopardy, of course, but difficulty too.

City’s task was made more difficult when Kevin De Bruyne trudged off injured in the first half, the second time in three seasons that he has departed a Champions League final with the game in the balance.

Ederson looked nervy early on, showing moments of sloppiness that hinted at the scale of the occasion. Rodri was misplacing passes. Erling Haaland broke clear once but his shot was saved. It was City’s best chance in the opening 45 minutes against an organised Inter.

The task did not become easier once Lukaku replaced Edin Dzeko and Inter could have led had Ederson not denied Lautaro Martinez from a narrow angle after Manuel Akanji inexplicably allowed the ball to run through. Guardiola was on his knees in despair.

It was joy soon after. Akanji slipped a pass through to Bernardo Silva and his cut-back deflected into the path of the oncoming Rodri. The midfielder measured his finish, bending it beyond two Inter defenders and into the corner of the net to break the deadlock.

Rodri had been left on the bench for the Champions League final against Chelsea in 2021. Not this time. His goal will rank among the most important in City’s history, a moment to rival the Sergio Aguero title-winning strike of 11 years earlier. But it was not the end.

Dimarco capitalised on uncertainty inside the City box and his looping header beat Ederson only to come back off the crossbar. The second chance looked more straightforward but this time Dimarco’s header struck the legs of Lukaku. A fortunate escape.

Lukaku had a clearer opportunity with just minutes remaining. Robin Gosens centred the ball and the striker just had to beat Ederson from close range. His header was firm but not in the corner, the goalkeeper producing an astonishing stop to keep the ball out.

It is a save that will be talked about for years. A night that will be talked about for years. Manchester City are champions of Europe.

The treble is theirs.

Man City players reflect on hard-fought win

“I was awful but I don’t care,” Jack Grealish told BT Sport afterwards. “To win the treble with this group of players is so special. This is what you work your whole life for. I am so happy.” Rodri, the scorer of the game’s only goal, expressed a similar sentiment.

“I said to myself I had to overcome the situation, the mentality. I scored a goal, unbelievable,” said the Spain international. “Finals are like this. You cannot expect to play how we normally play. But the lads competed to the end. We competed like animals.”

It was credit to Inter that City were made to look less than their best. Tactically, their head coach Simone Inzaghi had his team set up perfectly. “It was not easy. What a team we faced. The way they defended and counter-attacked was unbelievable.”

“We were not at our best in the first half of the game,” agreed Ilkay Gundogan. “We were hesitating a little. Even though we had a couple of good chances we knew we had to do better in the second half. That is what we did but still it was probably a 50-50 game.

“One goal made the difference as it does many times in finals. We feel very fortunate that it was ours.”

Guardiola: Written in the stars

“The first half we were so anxious,” Guardiola told BT Sport.

“We could not find the free man, John Stones. But it was a question of being patient. I said at half-time, last time, in Porto [in the 2021 Champions League final], we were 1-0 down, now it is 0-0. We adjusted some things but you have to be lucky in this competition.

“At the end, Ederson, they mis-hit it, they could draw, and then maybe Phil [Foden] could score the second one. This competition is a coin [toss]. But we were there. I think it was written in the stars this season that it belonged to us and we did it.”

Asked what was different about this team after years of near misses, Guardiola said: “I think we defended a little bit better in the box. We have four central defenders, proper defenders. Even when we make mistakes, we have the feeling we are solid.”

It has brought the treble. “The momentum started winning the Premier League, then the FA Cup, and now we finish here,” he added. “Winning this competition and the treble is so difficult, and that is why today is not important the way. It is just to do it.”

Man City’s treble in stats

• Manchester City have become the sixth English team to win the European Cup after Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest – twice as many sides as any other nation.
• City are just the second English side to achieve the treble after Manchester United in 1999. It is the second time their manager Pep Guardiola has won the treble, making him the first ever manager to do so with two different clubs.
• The last four Champions League finals have all been won by a 1-0 scoreline, more than in the first 27 finals in the competition since the re-brand in 1992.
• City’s victory was their 300th across all competitions under Pep Guardiola, in what was his 413th game in charge of the club.
• Manchester City have scored 100+ goals more than they’ve conceded in three of the last five seasons – prior to Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the club, no English top-flight side had ever finished a season having scored 100+ more than they had conceded.
• Erling Haaland ended the Champions League campaign with 12 goals to his name, however he did not score in any of his final three appearances – his longest ever run of games in the competition without a goal.
• Rodri made his 52nd start of the season for Manchester City in all competitions – across Pep Guardiola’s managerial career, the only outfield player to have started more games in a single campaign under him was Lionel Messi.

MANCHESTER CITY

Ederson – 8

Looked uncharacteristically nervy initially, gifting an opportunity to Inter with a slack pass in the first half, then having to rush off his line to deny Lautaro Martinez after a communication breakdown with Manuel Akanji, but none of that mattered after two outstanding saves in the closing stages.

Nathan Ake – 7

Brought back into the team in place of Kyle Walker, having been on the bench against Real Madrid in the semi-finals, and justified his inclusion with a solid display. Rarely troubled by the usually dangerous Denzel Dumfries and used the ball smartly.

Ruben Dias – 8

A superb defensive header in the early stages set the tone for a commanding individual performance. Dominated defensively and always looked assured on the ball, despite Inter’s pressing.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Produced a fine pass to release Bernardo Silva before the goal, that contribution evening out some awkward defensive moments. Partly responsible for the miscommunication which allowed Martinez to run through in the second half and failed to clear his lines before Federico Dimarco hit the bar soon after the goal.

John Stones – 8

Again looked supremely comfortable in his new midfield role, happily taking the ball under pressure, recycling possession and sometimes slaloming away from defenders deep in Inter’s half. Earned a standing ovation from the City fans when he was substituted.

Rodri – 9

Infamously dropped in the 2021 final but there was never any doubt that he would start this one and his performance showed why. Impressed in and out of possession at the base of midfield, particularly in the second period, and capped an outstanding all-round display with a brilliantly-taken winning goal.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Curled an early effort inches wide after driving into the Inter box from the right and had a hand in Rodri’s winner, his cut-back eventually finding its way to the Spaniard.

Kevin De Bruyne – 7

Having been forced off with a facial injury an hour into the 2021 final, De Bruyne this time lasted only 36 minutes, an apparent hamstring problem seeing him replaced by Phil Foden. The Belgian had already set up a good chance for Erling Haaland and his withdrawal disrupted City’s rhythm.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7

The 32-year-old has often been Manchester City’s match-winner in recent months but on this occasion, in what may be his final appearance for the club, he was quieter. Still linked midfield and attack effectively, though, and mucked in defensively too.

Jack Grealish – 7

Most of City’s attacks were directed down his flank in the first half but he met stiff resistance in the form of Matteo Darmian and wing-back Dumfries. Worked hard, though, and as ever provided an invaluable outlet for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Erling Haaland – 7

A quiet night for the PFA Player of the Year. Only had one shot on goal and spurned that chance, shooting too close to Onana in the first half having been put through on goal by De Bruyne.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 7

Thrown on earlier than expected after De Bruyne’s injury. Initially struggled to get into the game but grew into it and almost added a second goal following a sensational turn and run into the Inter box.

Kyle Walker – 7

Came on in place of Stones after spending what seemed like an eternity stripped and waiting to enter the field of play. Helped City see out the result in the closing stages.

INTER MILAN

Andre Onana – 7

Stayed on his feet to prevent Haaland from converting City’s best chance of the first half and also made a good stop from Foden, but could do little about Rodri’s winner.

Matteo Darmian – 7

Played primarly as a full-back during his time at Manchester United but was stationed on the right of Inter’s back three here and defended well up against the usually dangerous Grealish.

Francesco Acerbi – 7

Faced a daunting evening up against Haaland but generally held his own, showing his physicality and experience to help nullify the Norwegian for long periods.

Alessandro Bastoni – 7

Together with Acerbi, he helped to ensure Haaland rarely threatened, showing his aerial strength and winning duels.

Denzel Dumfries – 6

Played high up at wing-back in the early stages but was gradually forced deeper, the Dutchman unable to show his usual attacking threat.

Marcelo Brozovic – 7

A busy night at the base of Inter’s midfield. Made some important defensive interventions, worked tirelessly to harry his City counterparts, and dug out an excellent cross which Romelu Lukaku should have converted late on.

Nicolo Barella – 6

Like Inter captain Brozovic, he was industrious in midfield, seemingly covering every blade of grass as he attempted to stifle City. Should perhaps have made more of the chance presented to him by Ederson’s poor pass in the first half.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 6

Selected in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was only fit enough for the bench following an injury, and provided added combativeness in midfield, but offered little in possession.

Federico Dimarco – 7

An inauspicious start as he backed off Silva, allowing the Portuguese to send a shot just past the post, but was arguably Inter’s most threatening player at the other end, at one point hitting the bar with a header then seeing his follow-up effort inadvertently blocked by team-mate Lukaku.

Lautaro Martinez – 6

Set the tone for Inter in terms of his pressing, forcing turnovers in the first half and ensuring Manchester City were rarely comfortable on the ball. Denied by Ederson with one of few scoring chances.

Edin Dzeko – 6

Preferred to Romelu Lukaku alongside Martinez from the start. Like the Argentine, he worked hard off the ball, but unlike his younger team-mate, he could not sustain it. Substituted early in the second half having not mustered a shot.

Substitutes

Romelu Lukaku – 4

A nightmarish cameo from the former Manchester United striker. Inadvertedly blocked a goal-bound effort from Dimarco shortly after Rodri’s goal and then saw his header saved from point-blank range in stoppage time.

Robin Gosens – 6

Added a bit of attacking impetus in the closing stages but could not force a breakthrough.

Raoul Bellanova – 6

Brought on at the same time as Gosens but struggled to make an impact.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6

Only fit enough to feature for the final few minutes and couldn’t change the outcome.

Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6

Another late introduction who could not alter the end result.

Manchester City are one game away from greatness, so it is curious that the manager who has taken them to this point is also seen by many as a potential obstacle at the finish line.  

Such is the narrative that has built up around Pep Guardiola overthinking his tactics in big games. Manchester City head into the Champions League final having already won a domestic double but, in this competition, they – and their manager – have baggage.

Much of it comes from their last appearance in the final. City were strong favourites to beat Chelsea in 2021, just as they are against Inter Milan now, but instead suffered a loss which felt self-inflicted as Guardiola opted to start without a natural holding midfielder.

It was just the latest in a long line of surprising tactical changes by Guardiola on the European stage and fed into a reputation for over-elaborating which at once amuses and frustrates him. “I love to overthink and create stupid tactics,” he said sarcastically last year.

The accusations of overthinking actually began during his time in charge of Bayern Munich, where he started to mix things up more readily, having rarely deviated from his preferred 4-3-3 formation while at Barcelona, winning two Champions Leagues in four years.

The increased tactical flexibility helped Bayern dominate domestically, but it came to be seen as a flaw in Europe, starting in his first season, when he opted to play four forwards, rather than three, for the home leg of their semi-final against Real Madrid.

The decision had disastrous consequences, with Bayern, beaten only 1-0 in the first leg, suffering a chastening 4-0 loss at the Allianz Arena and Guardiola describing his decision to switch to a 4-2-4 formation, having resisted it all season, as “a complete ****-up”.

Despite that, Guardiola changed his system at the same juncture of the same competition in the following season, deploying a back three in an attempt to thwart Barcelona’s front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp, only to revert to a four mid-game following a chaotic opening period.

It should be noted all three of Barcelona’s goals that night came after he had abandoned his back three, but Bayern were lucky not to fall behind earlier and, ultimately, it felt like another misstep.

The same could be said of the decision to drop Thomas Muller in order to incorporate an extra midfielder for the first leg of their next semi-final, against Atletico Madrid, a year later.

Muller had been excellent that season, scoring 31 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, but he was sacrificed for Thiago Alcantara and did not appear from the bench until the 70th minute, his threat missed as Bayern went down to a costly 1-0 loss.

Guardiola’s critics were quick to pounce on those perceived tactical errors and, with the overthinking narrative established, they found more opportunities after his move to Manchester City.

Indeed, before the 2021 final defeat to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, there were earlier exits against Monaco, Liverpool, Tottenham and Lyon, all of which left the spotlight on Guardiola’s decisions.

Against Liverpool in 2018, he asked Aymeric Laporte to play in an unfamiliar left-back role, only for Mohamed Salah to run riot, while also using Ilkay Gundogan on the right in place of Raheem Sterling. Against Tottenham a year later, there was the controversial decision to omit Kevin De Bruyne for the first leg, which they lost 1-0.

Then, in a hint at what was to come in the final in 2021, Guardiola opted to use Gundogan, rather than Fernandinho, as his holding midfielder in the second leg, with City lacking their usual control as they crashed out on away goals following a crazy 4-3 win.

Arguably most damningly of all, there was the quarter-final loss to Lyon in 2020, played as a one-legged tie at a neutral venue, for which Guardiola named an uncharacteristically negative side, including five defenders and leaving out three of his most creative players in David Silva, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez, as City fell to a 3-1 defeat.

It all adds up to make the Champions League look like something of a blind spot for Guardiola, but the narrative fails to acknowledge the many occasions his tweaks and adjustments have paid off.

Indeed, Guardiola’s ability to affect his team, often through bold tactical decisions, is a large part of what makes him such a special manager and there has been plenty of evidence of it recently.

Consider the way in which, this season, the completely unexpected decision to let Joao Cancelo leave in January and dramatically adjust the profile of City’s defence facilitated their subsequent march to Premier League and FA Cup glory.

Consider how, in each of City’s crucial Premier League meetings with Arsenal, he completely overhauled their style of play, going direct to inflict maximum damage, and even using Manuel Akanji at left-back to successfully nullify Bukayo Saka.

City averaged only 44 per cent possession in those games against Arsenal and the figure was similar over the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich, during which they again absorbed pressure and capitalised on transitions in order to hit their opponent at speed.

That 4-1 aggregate win over Bayern provided an element of catharsis for Guardiola given it was Tuchel, his conqueror in 2021, in the opposite dugout, and the same can be said of how emphatically City subsequently dispatched Real Madrid, the side who knocked them out last year, winning 4-0 at the Etihad after a 1-1 draw in Spain.

Guardiola continues to innovate, of course, with John Stones effectively playing as an out-and-out central midfielder, rather than a hybrid right-back, in City’s FA Cup final win over Manchester United last weekend. But there is also a feeling that his team is far more settled than in previous years in terms of personnel.

In both of the ties against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, he used the same line-ups in the first and second legs, with the only change seeing Kyle Walker replace Nathan Ake for the semi-final.

Erling Haaland has provided a focal point where previously there was flexibility, while Jack Grealish, Gundogan, De Bruyne and Silva are clearly favoured to support him in the biggest games.

Maybe, then, this is the year it all goes off exactly as expected. Guardiola has already steered Manchester City two thirds of the way to an historic treble. This time, the possibility of any self-inflicted damage at the finish line feels slimmer than ever.