Last updated on June 15, 2025
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Cherki scored in both encounters with Manchester United.
Image credit: Match of the Day
Rayan Cherki, a young football player from France, recently joined Manchester City.
He’s very excited to play for his new team and says he’s looking forward to facing Manchester United again.
Earlier this year, Cherki’s old team, Lyon, lost to Manchester United in a dramatic Europa League match.
Lyon was winning 4-2, but United scored three goals in the last minutes, making it 5-4 on the night and 7-6 overall.
Cherki had scored in both games and celebrated one of his goals in a way that caught a lot of attention online.
Rayan Cherki can't wait for the Manchester derby 👀 pic.twitter.com/oL897HFGbW
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 15, 2025
Now at Man City, Cherki says he wants payback. “I [didn’t] like [it] when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais,” he said. “I’m waiting for the match. I want to beat them.”
Cherki’s Big Move to Manchester City
Cherki signed with Manchester City for about £30 million. He played 185 games for Lyon, scoring 29 goals and giving 45 assists.
He started playing for Lyon when he was just 16.
Even though some people thought he might join Manchester United, he chose to play under City’s coach, Pep Guardiola.
Cherki prefers playing in the middle of the field, just like Kevin De Bruyne, who recently left City for Napoli.
Cherki says he’s not trying to replace De Bruyne but wants to create his own success.
“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne, he is the legend.” Cherki said. “I’m here to help the team and to write my own story. I hope to win all the time with the team,”
More Arabic Players at City
Manchester City now has more players from Arabic backgrounds.
Along with Cherki, who has Algerian roots, the club also signed Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves and Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush.
These players have helped City become even more popular in the Middle East and North Africa.
In fact, since Marmoush joined, millions more fans in that region have started following the club.
Cherki and Ait-Nouri are already getting along well during training in Florida. They warm up and practice together.
Ait-Nouri’s Dream Move
Ait-Nouri, who also joined City recently, said it’s a dream to be at one of the best clubs in the world.
“For sure I was proud because I worked very hard since I came to England,” he said. “It’s a big step for my career. I will give everything. I will show what I can do on the pitch.”
