Kevin De Bruyne’s comeback from injury and subsequent red-hot return to form has proved yet again why he is the best player in the Premier League.
Even in the relatively short space of time that he’s been back out on the pitch and with Phil Foden having seriously stepped up in his absence, it didn’t take long for De Bruyne to remind the Manchester City faithful what they’ve been missing in his four-month period on the sidelines.
Appearing for just the first time in Europe this season as City took home a two-goal advantage from their away leg against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League round of 16, KDB didn’t only open the scoring but also managed to register a pair of assists, getting involved with every goal on the night.
Here’s how he got them off the mark:
Kevin De Bruyne fires Man City ahead in Copenhagen 🎯
Perhaps most importantly, however, it looked like the Blues might be off to a flyer following this early opener and overall dominance but the home side did end up getting into the game and equalising in the 34th minute, suddenly giving the visitors more of a task. Good job they have De Bruyne.
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The Belgian baller is more than a welcome addition back in the squad for the resumption of their UCL and treble defence; he already looks to have helped revitalise the side after small hints of ‘complacency’ or taking their foot off the gas a little, with Kev looking back to his best, if not maybe even beyond that.
The 32-year-old has already hinted that he might be playing or at least feeling ‘better than ever’ since coming back from his hamstring injury and besides a new trim, he also looks to have seemingly gained an extra yard of pace from somewhere and his on-pitch intelligence remains virtually unparalleled.
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It is this lightning-quick return to match fitness and vintage Man City form that helped him claim two more assists for his tally and get back to business as usual — almost as if he never went anywhere.
No player has been involved in more so far this year. He’s also scored 10 and assisted nine in his last 22 UCL knockout matches. Levels.
It’s that restored sharpness that helped him get to the ball that made the second goal, albeit it was one of his more fortunate assists and returning the favour to Foden for his earlier set-up to close the game out also demonstrated that he’s slotted straight back in without any of those relationships dwindling.
But make no mistake, it wasn’t just last night that the midfield maestro shone as one of if not the best on the pitch since getting his boots back on. He’s now on 10 goal contributions in nine matches across all competitions this season, even despite having missed the majority of it and coming off the bench/not completing the full 90 in most.
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In fact, it took him no time at all to get back on the scoresheet and assisting his teammates, grabbing one of each within just 20 minutes of being subbed on for his first game back in the Prem in City’s 3-2 comeback against Newcastle. He’s also grabbed an assist in every league fixture since.
Two words: impact and levels.
KDB IS BACK! 👑
Kevin De Bruyne comes on and produces a wonderful finish in his Premier League comeback game 👏
Pep Guardiola, Nathan Ake and Foden were all full of praise for the red-haired wizard on Tuesday night, with the defender waxing lyrical about his “top” form and simply hoping it can continue without interruption in his post-match interview.
As for us, when Erling Haaland is misfiring, luck isn’t going their way, and Pep’s players aren’t quite clicking like we know they can — only in contrast to the ridiculously high standards they’ve set for themselves — we’d still bank on even a couple moments of magic from this man turning the tide most days.
Yes, not exactly a groundbreaking revelation here, but Kevin De Bruyne has once again given us a reminder that he is the best player in the Premier League and one of if not the best it’s ever seen.
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You can watch the highlights from City’s 1-3 victory against FC Copenhagen and KDB’s trio of goal contributions down below:
Limited 10k places left as Great Manchester Run half marathon sells out once again
Danny Jones
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run half marathon has officially sold out yet again for 2025, with just a small number of 10k places left.
With thousands of Mancs and visitors to the region having earned themselves glory at this year’s Manchester Marathon, attention has already turned to the next big event: the Great MCR Run.
Returning for its 22nd year, AJ Bell is bringing the Great Manchester Run back to the city and while tickets for the longest distance may have been snapped up as per, anyone debating taking on the 10k still has time to get their bib through the post.
Go on, you know what want the finish line feeling – not to mention a shiny new medal to score some well-deserved free pints on the day.
Yes, while spaces on the Great Manchester Run have already sold out in no time, there are are now less than 500 still left to grab for the 10k.
The question is, will you be one of them?
Final entries are available for £45 but there are also a select few charity places for anyone who backs themself to raise enough money before race day.
Taking place on Sunday, 18 May, with the first runners getting underway from approximately 8:10am, you’ve not got long to decide whether you want to be part of the action.
It’s worth also worth noting that if you missed out on the half marathon this year but fancy giving the next one a go, you can set a reminder for 2026 entries now.
One final thing: last minute Great Manchester Run entrants for the 10k must be aged 15 and over; a booking fee of £2.50 per entry will also applied at checkout.
Beyond that, provided you’ve got the training under your belt/you already a solid fitness base, the only thing that’s left to do is get ready for the starting gun. You can even take part in the official shake-out run, if you fancy it.
See you for the post-race pints and hopefully some PB showboating!
Say hello to the Official AJ Bell Great Manchester Run Shakeout with @Mitchum – powered by Manchester Run Club 🏃♂️⚡
📍 Great Northern Square 🗓️ 8:30AM | Saturday 17th May 🏃♂️ 5km route
A massive Manchester United fan zone is being set up for the Europa League final – if they make it…
Danny Jones
With the second leg of the Europa League semis looming, in which Manchester United could make it through to the final, a massive fan zone is being tentatively set up.
In truth, they should make it to the conclusion of the UEFA competition – a decider that could see them qualify for the Champions League – given that they took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford following the impressive away fixture, but if Man United have proved anything of late, its that they’re unpredictable.
Touch wood, if they make it to the final, supporter park specialists 4 The Fans – the same team behind the huge sites at the likes of Manchester’s Secret City, Love Factory and the Progress Centre for Euro 2024 – are putting one of the biggest fan zones yet.
As always with football, nothing is quite guaranteed, and despite a health advantage that should see them over the line, we’ve seen this side do the unlikeliest of things with leads in recent times. Case and point, that franklyridiculous Lyon comeback.
A massive Man United fan zone is on the cards for this year’s Europa League final. (Credit: 4 The Fans)
Provided the Red Devils get the job done on their end, 4 The Fans are committed to putting on a huge fan zone over in Stretford, and with well over 50,000 fans attending their events over the last three years, it’s sure to be a mega atmosphere.
4 The Fans are giving us real Euro vibes with their upcoming plans.
Set to take over the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, a.k.a. the BEC Arena over in Stretford, the enormous events space will be transformed into one of their biggest fan zones to date, with the biggest screen in Manchester.
VIP seated tickets are also available, and parents are welcome to bring their kids along to the family-friendly event.
Once again, this all hinges on whether or not Man United make it past Athletic Club and book a return trip for the Europa League final, which also happens to be taking place in Bilbao.
However, one of the best bits about all of this is that, in addition to the strong chance of going through,tickets are already available, and supporters are guaranteed their money back if Ruben Amorim’s side manages to capitulate.
No harm, no foul.
Past scenes from international tournaments. (Credit: Supplied)
If the idea of being surrounded by fellow Reds for the game isn’t an attractive enough prospect on its own for you, United fans, the event is also set to be hosted by a club legend (still yet to be announced), with DJs and music, as well as special effects throughout.
Of course, there’ll be plenty of pints and scran to fuel the promoter’s famous fan energy on offer too, so you really will be sorted from start to finish.
Doors to the BEC open at 5:30pm, with last entry at 7:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off; tickets start from just £8. Until then, you can watch back the highlights from the previous match down below. You can grab yours HERE.
How are you feeling for the game – do you think they’re going all the way?
Danny Jones -
14th February 2024 
