With assistant manager Juanma Lillo watching on, eight EDS players were spotted in the first team training ahead of the United game. Pep Guardiola says he will turn to the academy this week, and that message clearly got through to the likes of Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who all looked motivated.

Centre-back Luke Mbete, fresh from appearing on the bench at Chelsea, was involved, as was Felix Nmecha. There also looked to be chances for midfielders James McAtee and Alex Robertson plus full-back Alpha Dionkou - a trio who have been impressive for the EDS this season but not yet involved in any first team squads.

There weren't enough players for a full training game, but one drill involved the youngsters pitted against the professionals who hadn't started against Chelsea. So the likes of Aguero, Fernandinho, Benjamin Mendy and Riyad Mahrez were on one side, trying to keep possession away from the youngsters, who seemed to relish the chance to show their more senior colleagues what they've got.