“I warned Pep Guardiola about that specific player, but he chose not to bench him, and it cost him the game against Sporting… Pep is repeating the same error now, and I’m warning him again,” said Manchester City legend Sergio Agüero, who has singled out one player he believes shouldn’t be starting for City and cautioned Guardiola about this critical mistake.

Erling Haaland would be particularly disappointed after Manchester City’s 4-1 defeat by Sporting CP.

Following a fortunate penalty awarded to City, Haaland had the chance to spark a potential comeback.

City’s midfielder came close to Ousmane Diomande when Bernardo Silva’s shot hit Diomande’s arm.

However, City was given a penalty, offering a chance to shift the momentum against Ruben Amorim’s team, who were leading 3-1 at the time.

But, unusually, Haaland missed from 12 yards out.

The Norwegian striker’s penalty hit the crossbar, giving Sporting a reprieve as the attempt failed to score.