Pep Guardiola got his first proper look at what life after Kevin De Bruyne might look like, and the early signs suggest City's recruitment team led by Hugo Viana have done their homework.

Phil Foden struck inside two minutes before Jeremy Doku doubled the advantage just before half-time, but it was the performances of new arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki that will have pleased Guardiola most on a sweltering afternoon in Phillie.

The Dutchman, snapped up from AC Milan, looked every inch the midfielder City have been crying out for. At 26, Reijnders brings experience and composure that was badly needed after De Bruyne's departure left such a gaping hole in the squad. His full 90-minute display in testing conditions showed the stamina and mentality Guardiola demands.

Guardiola said: "He is a really, really good player. You feel it, you smell it. The pace, in the final third, with the ball, when he will get a little bit more rhythm, he will be top,"

Cherki, the 21-year-old French talent poached from Lyon, lasted an hour before being withdrawn. The youngster's showing hinted at the creativity City hope he can provide in the final third.

Foden's early strike and assist for Doku's goal suggested the England midfielder is finally rediscovering the form that made him such a crucial player for club and country. After a challenging 2024-25 campaign, this performance felt like a statement of intent.

City controlled proceedings against the Moroccan outfit, without ever hitting top gear. The opposition offered little threat, allowing Guardiola's side to ease through their Group G opener with minimal fuss.

Rico Lewis picked up a late red card for a dangerous challenge, but by then the result was long settled. City's attention now turns to their next group fixture as they look to progress to the knockout stages.

The real test will come against stronger opposition, but this comfortable victory provided Guardiola with valuable minutes for his new recruits and a confidence boost ahead of tougher challenge to come against Juventus and hopefully beyond.