New Manchester City signing Rayan Cherki has sent an early warning to rivals Manchester United, saying he’s ready to “kill them” on the pitch after enduring heartbreak against them with Lyon in the Europa League earlier this year.
Cherki, 21, completed a £30.45m move to the Premier League champions last week and already has his sights set on one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2025–26 campaign.
Back in April, the French international experienced a crushing exit from Europe’s second-tier competition as United overturned a 4-2 aggregate deficit with a dramatic late surge at Old Trafford. Lyon conceded three goals in the final stages of extra time, ultimately losing 5-4 on the night and 7-6 overall.
Cherki scored in both legs of the tie and became a viral sensation for an infamous celebration at Old Trafford, where he provocatively gestured at home fans after scoring a thunderous strike. While he laughed off the moment when reminded of it in Florida, the fiery forward made his intentions clear.
“I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais,” he said. “Now I am waiting for the game [to] kill them. I’m here to win all the games.”
City’s Premier League fixture list will be revealed on Wednesday, and Cherki says he’s already circled the derby dates mentally. “That’s the one,” he added with a smirk.
‘I’ll write my own story’ – Rayan Cherki
Cherki’s arrival is part of a summer rebuild at City following the departure of club icon Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli on a free transfer. Although comparisons are inevitable, Cherki was quick to assert his independence.
“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne, he is the legend,” he said. “I’m here to help the team and write my own story. I hope to win all the time with this team.”
The former Lyon man has long been considered one of Europe’s most technically gifted young players. Making his debut at just 16, he went on to tally 29 goals and 45 assists in 185 appearances for the Ligue 1 side. Though he is capable of playing wide, he prefers operating as a central number 10 — a role that could prove key in Pep Guardiola’s ever-evolving system.
“When I spoke with Pep, he told me, ‘When you have the ball, you are free,’” said Cherki. “That is perfect for me because it is my main quality — to be free and help the team.”
He added: “The system, the club, the city — everything is very good. When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here. So I know it is possible with Manchester City. I am here for that.”
Cherki joins a Manchester City squad with a growing Arabic and Muslim representation. Algerian-born and French-raised, Cherki has already bonded with fellow France-born Algeria international Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined City from Wolves earlier this summer.
The pair were seen training together at City’s base in Boca Raton, Florida, ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup debut on Wednesday against Moroccan champions Wydad AC.
Ait-Nouri, who completed a £31m transfer, echoed Cherki’s excitement. “It’s a dream. One of the best teams in the world. A big step for my career,” he said. “I worked very hard in England and now I’m here — I will give everything.”
City’s Arabic profile has soared in recent months, especially after the signing of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush in January. The club reports a 140 million spike in audience reach across the MENA region, with Marmoush shirts ranking among the best sellers alongside Erling Haaland’s.
As the new season nears, City’s fresh recruits bring more than just quality — they add energy, hunger, and global appeal. And in Cherki’s case, a score to settle.
