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Divine Mukasa Shines in False-Nine Manchester City Debut, Assists Foden in Carabao Cup Win

City’s choice to keep the 18-year-old after summer interest reflects a deliberate first-team pathway.

Overview

  • The 18-year-old made his competitive debut in a 2-0 third-round victory at Huddersfield Town, laying off the pass for Phil Foden’s opener at the Accu Stadium.
  • Pep Guardiola deployed Mukasa as a false nine, a role he said he had not played before, and the youngster showed mature movement and link play.
  • Mukasa has trained regularly with the first team this season after City rebuffed reported interest from Ajax and Bayern Munich and a loan bid from Cardiff City.
  • Coaches and reporters said the performance strengthened his case for more senior minutes, with OneFootball citing insiders who say he has particularly impressed Guardiola over the past 18 months.
  • Mukasa credited Foden’s on-pitch guidance and former academy coach Kolo Touré’s support, as City started six academy graduates and used eight in total on the night.