Manchester City transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      From scratching head in anguish to snapping at fans, the signs of Pep Guardiola’s secret ‘marriage breakdown’

      by

      THE worst spell of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career has played out in front of the world.But in private, the Manchester City manager has also been suffering the heartbreak of the breakdown of his 30-year relationship with wife Cristina Serra.Pep Guardiola is experiencing his worst-ever season as a managerCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard worryingly revealed he wanted to harm himself and had self-induced scratches all over his head after City’s Champions League collapse to FeyenoordGuardiola had to be held back after confronting a fanChampions Manchester City are a whopping 12 points behind league leaders LiverpoolCredit: GETTYGuardiola has also been dealing with the breakdown of his marriage to Cristina SerraCredit: REXGuardiola was filmed snapping at autograph huntersPep and his wife are said to have gone their separate ways after nearly 30 years togetherCredit: PAGuardiola’s behaviour during City’s wretched run has been put down to him struggling to cope with the unfamiliar feeling of losing.He has snapped at autograph hunters and fans. He has bared his soul in interviews, branding himself “not good enough”.And while watching his team let a 3-0 lead slip against Feyenoord, the City boss became so agitated that he left scratch marks on his face.Now it appears there was a lot more going on beneath the surface – and the signs were there all along.READ MORE ON PEP GUARDIOLAReports from Spain that Guardiola and Cristina finally split last month are a reminder that one of the most relentlessly successful coaches of all time is also a human being with the same problems as anyone else.Guardiola’s on-field issues have arrived in the ninth season of his reign at City, the longest he has spent in charge of one club.But he and Cristina have been an item for more than three decades, after meeting as teenagers in 1994 and marrying in 2014.And the sacrifices as Guardiola tried to find that work/life balance will have been difficult, even at the best of times.Most read in FootballGuardiola and Cristina have been living apart since 2019 when she returned to Barcelona with daughter Valentina, the youngest of the couple’s three children.The explanation given at the time was that Cristina was taking a leading role in her family’s fashion business, Serra Claret, which is based in the Catalan city.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again Although Guardiola made trips back to Barcelona, when the hectic fixture schedule allowed, the pair inevitably ended up leading separate lives.Rumours of a split emerged in the spring. Yet soon afterwards Cristina was in Manchester to celebrate City’s unprecedented fourth title in a row and there were other public displays of togetherness, too, such as a day out at Wimbledon last July.Photos also emerged of the whole family – including eldest child Maria and son Marius – enjoying a summer holiday in Egypt.But it seems as though Guardiola went into the new season with doubts not only about his football future.His City contract was due to expire in June and speculation grew when the club confirmed in October that director of football Txiki Begiristain, Guardiola’s old Barcelona pal and close ally, would be leaving at the end of the campaign.The City boss signed a two-year extension in November as results started to slide.The following month he and Cristina are said to have agreed to end their marriage.And it seems significant that the biggest crisis of Guardiola’s reign at City has coincided with personal difficulties.His recent confrontation with autograph hunters outside his home in Manchester is just the latest example of him losing his cool.After City lost the FA Cup final to rivals United in May, Guardiola reacted angrily to goading from a supporter.Reports in Spain say Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra went their separate ways last monthCredit: GETTYPep Guardiola has kept a lid on his separation from the mother of his three childrenCredit: GETTYBut the Spaniard has had several out-of-character outbursts this seasonCredit: GETTYAnd as the club slumped from the top of the Premier League to miles off leaders Liverpool, he showed signs of stress and vulnerability that no-one had seen before.After Guardiola scratched himself during the collapse against Feyenoord in late November, he said: “I cut myself with my fingernail.“I want to harm myself.”It was an off-hand comment, a half-joke to explain why what was unfolding on the pitch was reflected in his appearance.But in these sensitive times, Guardiola had to issue a statement soon afterwards, saying: “My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.”Of course it wasn’t. Yet this was just another example of the intense scrutiny and pressure that Guardiola has to live with constantly.And he freely admits he has been feeling it.When asked if he was in any way enjoying the biggest challenge of his managerial career at all, Guardiola said: “I don’t enjoy it all. I don’t like it.“I don’t sleep as good as when I won every game. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have to do it.“This shall pass, I don’t know when, but nothing is eternal, not even our lives. “Maybe it’s more unusual to win four Premier League in a row, right?“So in that moment I was stable enough, I was happy because I eat better and sleep better.”But I was not thinking differently to who I am.”I’m the same person as four Premier Leagues in a row and in that situation, I have the same doubts.”Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra became an item back in 1994Credit: GETTYGuardiola was adamant that his passion to make City succeed was undimmed and that was why he had signed the new deal.Yet he also left open the possibility that he would not be able to turn things around.Guardiola said: “If I extend, it is because I feel it. I’m not sitting here just for what I’ve done, or because still I’m happy.“Still I want to try. But I don’t want to stay in the place like I feel I’m a problem.“I don’t want to [just] because the contract is there. My chairman knows it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And I said to him, give me the chance to try to come back. And after if we are not able to do it, we have to change.”But it seems Guardiola and his childhood sweetheart have decided they were unable to carry on and had to make a change. More

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England & Man City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt – as his house goes up for sale

      by

      SVEN-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt with his house now up for sale, it is reported.Football went into mourning last August when the ex-England boss died from pancreatic cancer aged 76.Sven-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt according to reports in SwedenCredit: GettyTributes flowed in after the death of Eriksson last AugustCredit: RexEriksson lived in the mansion for 22 years which is now up for saleCredit: AlamySven died after battling pancreatic cancerThe legendary coach’s estate was published today – showing he owed £8.6million when he passed away.The document reveals he owned £4.8million in assets, according to respected Swedish newspaper Gotesborg-Posten.However, the estate inventory is also said to show that he had debts totalling £8.6million.This means that the estate had a deficit of around £3.8million, reports the Mirror.Read More in FootballIt comes as Sven’s lakeside property on a secluded estate in Sunne, Sweden, has been made available for around £1.8million.Preparations to sell his seven-bedroom mansion, which has its own private beach, began in September.Eriksson paid £420,000 for the late-19th Century home in 2002 when he was Three Lions chief and his partner was Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio.Agent Sotheby’s say he has since “left his personal mark on both the interior and exterior”.Most read in FootballThe property’s value soared to £3million in the last decade, but it has now fallen to almost half of that figure.The home, covering 835 square metres, has multiple reception rooms and a library. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former mistress Faria Alam has bid him an emotional final farewellAnd it’s also as sporty as you might expect.A 250-square metre poolhouse sits outside, along with a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area.There’s also a tennis court, jetty, a motorised floating platform, a sandy cove and waterside gazebos.Lawyer Anders Runebjer, who was a close friend of Eriksson’s, reportedly expects the home to sell quite easily.Runebjer believes the reduced valuation of £1.8m is more realistic for buyers, Swedish outlet Expressen reports.He also pointed to the freedom and natural setting offered by the property. Sven died on August 26 last year after suffering from pancreatic cancer.During a five-year spell in charge, Sven led England to quarter-final appearances at the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 as well as Euro 2004.Sven landed the Three Lions job after Kevin Keegan quit the post following England’s 1-0 loss to Germany in October 2000.He previously won a first Serie A title in 26 years with Lazio, and after stepping down with England went on to manage Manchester City and the Mexico national team.Due to his health issues, Eriksson was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After bravely announcing his cancer diagnosis, he was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Swede’s death sparked an outpouring of grief for the ex-Manchester City and Leicester boss.David Beckham and Roy Hodgson were among the mourners at Eriksson’s funeral in his home-town of Torsby, near Sunne.SVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August.Sven-Goran Eriksson coaching Philippines in 2019Credit: GettyDavid Beckham was one of many stars who paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson following his passingCredit: gettyEriksson bought his home for £420k and ‘left his personal mark’ on itCredit: Alamy More

    • 213 Shares92 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in Spain

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has SPLIT from his wife of 30 years, according to reports in Spain.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport report that Guardiola and wife Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.Pep Guardiola and Cristina in July 2024Credit: RexThe couple met as teenagersCredit: GettyThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettySport say their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways. The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company. But she has been moving from Spain to London – still spending time with Manchester City manager Guardiola. City declined to comment when approached over reports of the split. READ MORE IN football Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18. He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina. And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits. Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.Most read in FootballHe told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advices, and hers is really good.”Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.They tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.And the two have three children, Maria, Marius and Valentina.Eldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.Son Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing. And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies.Cristina supported Guardiola as a player and then manager – his career as a boss starting with Barcelona in 2008.He won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barca before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013. He left Germany in 2016 after three seasons – in each of which he won the Bundesliga.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola joined City in 2016 and has won SIX Premier League titles during his reign – and also a Champions League in 2023 to complete an historic Treble.But this season has seen a dip in form, with with six losses leaving the club in sixth – 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationEldest Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMGuardiola has won six Premier League titles with CityCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares70 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City given special dispensation to make major change to badge for FA Cup clash vs Salford

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY were given special permission to make a major change to their FA Cup sponsor badge for the third-round clash against Salford.Pep Guardiola’s side romped to an 8-0 win over the League Two outfit with James McAtee scoring a second-half hat-trick.Manchester City were given special permission to not wearing the ‘Emirates’ sponsor name on their sleeveCredit: RexMeanwhile, Salford did wear the ‘Emirates’ name on the FA Cup badgeCredit: RexPrevious seasons have seen Man City not wear the sleeve badge at all, like during last years finalCredit: RexBut Manchester United did wear the full sponsor on their sleeveCredit: RexThey have been allowed to not wear the badge since the 2015/16 seasonCredit: PA:Press AssociationHowever, eagle-eyed fans might have noticed a subtle difference between City’s and Salford’s kits on the right sleeve where the FA Cup sponsor badge is located.City were allowed to wear a badge which simply said “FA Cup” and showed a icon trophy icon, while the Salford badge said “Emirates FA Cup” with the trophy icon.The reason for this is because City have been handed special dispensation to not wear the Emirates name on their sleeve.City’s main sponsor is Abu Dhabi backed airline Etihad Airways, a direct competitor of competition sponsor Emirates who are based in Dubai, a neighbouring City in the UAE.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFA Cup commercial rules allow for certain dispensations for clubs such as City to not wear the badge on their sleeves due to the direct rivalry and consequent conflict of interest.The club did not wear any sleeve badge at all for last years final defeat against Manchester United, while the Red Devils did.Going back as far as the 2015/16 season, City have been granted permission to not wear the badge on their matchday kit.Emirates became the sponsor of football’s old competition back in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis deal has twice been extended, with the latest extension being signed in August 2024 to run until 2028.The current deal is reported to be worth around £10million a season.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferAfter dispatching the Class of 92 owned club, City were drawn away against one of Leyton Orient or Derby for the fourth round.The fixture will be played out on the weekend commencing February 8, while the opponent will be decided when the teams play each other on Tuesday evening.Man City have won the competition seven times overall, with their most recent coming in 2023 over Man Utd.They have won it twice in the Emirates era, having been to three finals. Since the club was taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, City have also been in the 2011 and 2013 finals, winning the former in what was a first major trophy for 35 years.FA Cup fourth round draw in fullTo be played weekend commencing February 8:Man Utd vs LeicesterLeeds vs Millwall/Dagenham & RedbridgeBrighton vs ChelseaPreston/Charlton vs WycombeExeter City vs Nottingham ForestCoventry vs IpswichBlackburn vs WolvesMansfield/Wigan vs FulhamBirmingham vs NewcastlePlymouth Argyle vs LiverpoolEverton vs BournemouthAston Villa vs SpursSouthampton vs BurnleyLeyton Orient/Derby vs Man CityDoncaster Rovers vs Crystal PalaceStoke vs Cardiff More

    • 250 Shares80 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker’s wife believes she’s being harassed by Lauryn Goodman, claims pal as Man City star’s ex ‘plots Dubai move’

      by

      KYLE Walker’s wife believes she is being harassed by Lauryn Goodman, a pal has claimed.Long-suffering Annie Kilner and her love cheat hubby are plotting a move to Italy in a bid to save their marriage.Kyle Walker poses with Annie and kids for Christmas InstagramCredit: InstagramLauryn Goodman seen attending Releaf launch party in 2023Credit: GettyBut the Man City ace, 34, was previously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia on a £400,000-a-week deal.And now it has emerged Lauryn, 33, is also planning to quit the UK and move to Dubai.Her revelation came just hours before it was announced the Walker expressed a desire for a new start abroad.A friend of Kyle and Annie told MailOnline: “You have to wonder whether Lauryn was planning a move to Dubai because she thought that Kyle and Annie were off to the Middle East too.Read more Sports News”She has form for winding them up, particularly Annie, but it hasn’t worked as they have no intention of going there.”She thinks Lauryn is a total wind-up merchant and believes it is harassment.”The Sun revealed yesterday that Walker is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter Milan this month.The couple hope to leave behind the captain’s tangled love life and focus on the future.Most read in FootballKyle has been linked to two top clubs in the trendy Italian city.A source said a loan agreement with Inter Milan had been reached in principle, despite huge rivals AC Milan also expressing an interest.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferInsiders said he shocked City bosses last week by saying he wanted a move, and 31-year-old Annie is likely to move with him, despite filing for divorce in August.One said: “Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.”It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.”They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.”Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.”Their four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.The news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked him out.Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the football ace ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.In the summer, Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face 33-year-old Lauryn in court over financial arrangements for year-old daughter Kinara.Papers revealed he had in­c­reased Lauryn’s housing budget from £1.85million to £2.4million after she threatened to move within ten minutes of his family home.READ MORE SUN STORIESWalker’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City.Stunning Annie is said to have had second thoughts about divorcing WalkerCredit: InstagramThe Walkers live in a plush £3.5m property in CheshireCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2Annie and Walker have suffered marriage woes in the pastCredit: instagram/annievkilnerWalker had an affair with Lauryn and fathered her children More

    • 263 Shares70 Views

      in Soccer

      I was Man City prospect who fell into booze and drugs, was stabbed twice and jailed… now I’m earning coaching badges

      by

      FORMER Manchester City prospect Daniel Warrender has opened up about being jailed and stabbed twice after falling into booze and drugs.Manchester-born Warrender has since turned his life around and is working hard to earn a Uefa B coaching badge.Former Man City prospect Daniel Warrender has bravely opened up how he turned his life aroundWarrender came through the ranks at Man City before turning professional in 2005The later stages of Warrender’s non-league career was derailed by prisonWarrender bravely opened up about overcoming past struggles on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.The former Man City youth star was first stabbed outside a city centre nightclub following a Manchester derby match in 2010.Warrender’s wound was reportedly minor, but doctors informed him that the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem.And the ex-defender unfortunately went on to land himself in a world of trouble with the law a year later in 2011.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWarrender was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2013 after punching a man in a nightclub bust-up.According to court reports at the time, he left the victim scarred after he fell over on to a broken pint glass.The shards tore a 3.5cm wound down the man’s right cheek, and made several other cuts on his face, nose and arm, a court heard.The judge noted that Warrender was usually a “decent, hard working man” but had drunk “a skin-full” of alcohol before the attack in Stockport. Most read in FootballJustice Bernard Lever told him that his single blow had “absolutely tragic consequences” for both men, according to the Manchester Evening News.And that it did, as Warrender, who was playing football for non-league side Ramsbottom United at the time, found himself behind bars.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWarrender said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever.”And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. “I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times.”But that was normal life to me. But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City.”Warrender’s son George is currently playing for Man City’s Under-11 youth side.Fans have dubbed the youngster a “mini Phil Foden” for his skill – but also because of his uncanny resemblance to the England superstar. Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Senior Cup in 2005Warrender’s son is coming through the ranks at his dad’s former sideAnd tearful Warrender added: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright…sorry I’m going again. I told you I cry all the time.”But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”The now 38-year-old was brutally attacked for the second time on New Year’s Eve in 2017. His brother David Warrender, a convicted drug dealer, was said to be in control of the bar.But it was substantially worse on this occasion as Warrender was stabbed several times and suffered a punctured lung and kidney.Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Manchester Senior Cup in 2005.He was shipped out on loan to Blackpool a few months later, before he joined the League One side permanently in 2006.But his time at The Tangerines was cut short when he moved down into the non-league game with Rossendale United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then spent time in the USA with San Francisco Seals before returning to the UK with FC United of Manchester. Warrender was shipped back and forth between Ramsbottom and FC United before and after his time in prison.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares80 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Don’t come again.. I know your faces’ – Man City boss Pep Guardiola tells autograph-hunters to ‘live your life’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola went viral after being caught on camera lambasting professional autograph hunters.Guardiola, 53, has endured a turbulent campaign as the defending Premier League champions have slipped down to sixth place in the table with leaders Liverpool 12 points ahead and a game in hand.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola slammed autograph huntersGuardiola was praised by fans on social media for his reactionGuardiola told the autograph hunters to ‘live their life’Credit: TIKTOK @ctmemorabilia07Guardiola has endured a turbulent campaign with Man CityCredit: AlamyHowever, it appears that hasn’t stopped some opportunists looking to make an easy living by selling merchandise signed by the Catalan tactician.A viral clip has made the rounds showing the ex-Barcelona boss apparently confronting some of them.A group of young people ask the former Bayern Munich manager to sign a few items.The Man City boss appeared to agree to sign some items, but was recorded scolding them for their career choice and warned them to never come back.Read More on FootballGuardiola said: “Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again. I know your faces.”Go to school and prepare yourselves, you don’t want to be here to waste your time.”Honestly, you want to spend the rest of your lives doing this? F*****g hell!”The clip attracted immense viewership across Twitter and TikTok with fans praising Guardiola’s reaction.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan tweeted: “Nothing wrong here. Basically telling youngsters to sort out their lives and do something more important but better. As any father would really.”Another commented: “He’s cooking.”Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferA third wrote: “Pep is spot on.”This fan said: “They got schooled!”And that one stated: “Fair play to Pep!”A Man City shirt signed by Pep Guardiola can sell for in excess of £500. More

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Miedema ready to move forward after goalscoring return for Man City in FA Cup tie following ‘frustrating’ injury spell

      by

      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is relieved to be back in action and scoring for Manchester City after a “frustrating” three months out of action.  The prolific forward helped the Cityzens get their FA Cup charge motoring with a Sunday fourth-round win against Ipswich Town. Vivianne Miedema scored for the first time since last September as Man City cruised into the Women’s FA Cup fifth roundCredit: PAJill Roord broke the deadlock for City 20 minutes into their clash with IpswichCredit: GettyLaura Coombs doubled the hosts’ lead with her first goal of the season in their second half of the fourth round tieCredit: GettyHer first goal since September sealed a 3-0 victory with the Netherlands star back in action for the first time since her knee operation in October.A well-timed pass from Chloe Kelly was followed by Miedema’s bottom corner effort fired past Tractor Girls goalkeeper Natalia Negri. The result saw Man City return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to Barcelona and Everton in Europe and the top-flight before Christmas. The WSL record goalscorer and her team-mates will find out who they face in the contest’s fifth round with the draw taking place on Monday.  Read more football storiesMiedema said: “Obviously it’s been a while and it’s been frustrating for me to have to sit out“But I’ve come back in (and for the goal) Chloe played a really good ball into me, so I’m happy to start scoring again and hopefully I’ll stay fit now.“It now feels like that’s the end of my rehab and I can move on.“When you come back from injury, and especially for players like me, people expect you to score goals again, and I’m happy that I scored and I can move forward now.”Most read in FootballThe last FA Cup encounter between City and Ipswich ended with the latter on the wrong end of a 10-0 thumping five years ago. While all eyes were on Miedema, who started on the bench it was one of the hosts’ other Dutch stars who broke the deadlock. Stand-in skipper Jill Roord struck in the 20th minute netting the Manchester giants first goal of this year. The forward fired a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Tractor Girls keeper Natalia Negri after an assist from January signing Rebecca Knaak. It was the only shot the hosts had on target in the first half despite dominating possession and keeping the visitors pinned back. City, who handed starts to young trio Laura Blindkilde Brown, Gracie Prior and Lily Murphy, had chances to double their lead later in the half. Blindkilde Brown fired an effort into the side netting before Murphy saw her 40th-minute shot fly over the crossbar. The hosts cranked up the pressure in the second half with Laura Coombs tapping in after her flicked 54th-minute effort hit the crossbar. Gareth Taylor’s triple substitution saw Miedema enter the fray with just under half an hour of normal time left. She rounded off a comfortable shift for the Citizens with her first goal since September preceded by Kelly’s angled assist. Miedema and her pals will be aiming for victory at the Etihad against Man United on January Sunday with the WSL returning to action following the winter break. Gareth Taylor’s will host the Red Devils at the Eithad in their first league game of this year after the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettyThe Cityzens are chasing a first title win since 2016 and a first Champions League crown as well as both domestic cups. READ MORE SUN STORIESMiedema added: “I’ve not always been there this year, and that’s sad. “Hopefully in the next few weeks or months I can be part of the team a lot more and help the team.” More