Iheanacho must seize chance of Aguero’s absence

Not many people will remember that Kelechi Iheanacho has scored against Manchester United before…even though it was with City’sU21 side in 2015 but the real deal comes up on September 10 at Old Trafford for the senior side.
Now with the FA having retrospectively banned Sergio Aguero, though he is also said to be injured, Nigeria’s Iheanacho is sure to get some more starting time in the next three weeks for the Citizens.
The other senior striker, Wilfried Bony has been loaned out that means that if Pep Guardiola needs to use a striker, he may have to revert to the 19-year-old.
“Iheanacho is always ready,” declared Guardiola in August and starting with the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, many would judge that statement if indeed Iheanacho would be thrown in at the deep end.
Though Guardiola is a manager who has proven over time that he can play a team of midfielders because he believes they are the most important part of any successful team.
So unlike so many coaches who need a target man to play – he emphasises team mobility over the importance of one target man.
With Sergio Aguero handed a three-match ban, Pep might not actually throw Kelechi Iheanacho into the mix – he may prefer to play a rejuvenated Raheem Sterling into the fray and play Nolito and Jesus Navas either side of him.
Sean Fay of Bleacher Report also believes Iheanacho can adequately replace the Argentine marksman – “Sergio Aguero might be suspended for next Saturday’s Manchester derby, but Kelechi Iheanacho looks ready to step up.”
“He is always ready,” Guardiola had said of Iheanacho in an article by the UK Telegraph.
“We will need him. Sergio can’t play all season and Kelli is going to play.” Well that prophecy could come to pass earlier than the manager would have thought.
And another thought that should be playing on his mind is the fact that 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus would be landing in Manchester in January – if the competition is not fierce now, it would be doubly so come January, so he has to do all to seize his chance at this moment. We can only wish him good luck!