Manchester City and Manchester United were handed tough draws in the Champions League today to follow their Carabao Cup draws.
With rumours of a late bid for ex-United player Cristiano Ronaldo after a move for Spurs striker Harry Kane broke down earlier this week there is the mouthwatering prospect of another round of the Messi vs Ronaldo saga after Manchester City were drawn against Paris St Germain in this season’s group stage.
The French club can boast a star studded forward line of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi although a bid from Real Madrid has come in for Mbappe in the current transfer window.
City will also face off against German club RB Leipzig and Belgians Club Brugge in Group A.
With Sergio Aguero gone and this week City boss Pep Guardiola admitting that Gabriel Jesus may be better coming in off the wing the need for a striker signing is more acute.
With the transfer window closing fast and options suddenly limited for City, all eyes with be on them as the transfer window closes next week.
United have a chance for revenge against Villarreal – who beat them in the Europa League final in May – when they come to fulfil their Group F fixtures.
The Spanish team, who have drawn both of their La Liga fixtures so far this season – were rewarded with a Pot 1 group with United, Italians Atalanta, and Swiss club Young Boys.
But they may have to make do in the short term without Scott McTominay who went under the knife for surgery on a groin injury which was causing him significant pain when playing.
The Reds may be strong upfront and in defence but can hardly afford to lose a midfielder who can help shield the back four despite what looks like a relatively kind run of fixtures in the near term.
Carabao Cup draw sees Manchester City get a kind home draw while Manchester United get all-Premier League showdown
Both Manchester clubs secured home draws in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Holders City will host Wycombe Wanderers with United welcoming former boss David Moyes, now in charge of West Ham, back to Old Trafford.
Both ties will take place in the week of September 20.