Enzo Fernandez made a surprise debut for Manchester City in their home Premier League fixture against Coventry City, securing a tense 1-0 win for the Citizens.
Fernandez completed his high-profile switch from Chelsea to Manchester on deadline day ahead of a staggering £125 million, reuniting with his former coach Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.
Initially, the Argentine was set to start on the bench as Maresca intended to ease him back into the team following a disrupted pre-season, largely due to his commitments in the World Cup final back in July.
However, plans took an unexpected turn when Nico O'Reilly suffered a back injury during warm-up, changing the course of the match. Fernandez stepped up to the starting lineup and enjoyed 76 minutes on the pitch before being substituted by another new signing, Ayoub Bouaddi.
“Nico O'Reilly felt some discomfort in his back during the warm-up, but it is nothing serious. Enzo Fernandez came in and his first appearance in front of the home crowd was perfect,” said Maresca after the match.
“Ayoub Bouaddi came on at a tough moment, and he will undoubtedly improve. All these players need time.”
The next challenge for Enzo Maresca's side will be in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with Manchester City set to face Porto away on September 8.
