There haven’t been many first-team regulars on this jaunt to the United States, with Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic’s arrival in New York swelling the numbers somewhat.

Pep Guardiola is without 13 of his main men – 14 if you count Joao Cancelo, who is expected to depart before the transfer window closes – and the manager knows it is hardly ideal preparation for a tilt at a seemingly unfathomable fifth consecutive Premier League title.

But it has given the Catalan a chance to get back to coaching fundamentals, which isn’t always possible during gruelling seasons with a group who basically know exactly what he demands tactically now anyway.

The raft of youngsters here are benefitting from more one-on-one time with Guardiola, who has been working to teach Josh Wilson-Esbrand how to migrate into central midfield and push towards the end of the box from his left back berth.

Pep Guardiola is seen with Luke Mbete making his point from close quarters

The pair have been seen in deep conversation about how that role works and City tried it in the opening game, a 4-3 defeat by Celtic. Both Wilson-Esbrand and Rico Lewis, full backs on the night, were swarming midfield simultaneously.

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Highly-regarded Nico O’Reilly, 19, has been showing some positive touches in attacking areas – a strong run carving Oscar Bobb’s goal against Celtic - and is also being taught to operate in a double pivot. His display against Barcelona, starting much deeper, drew huge praise from the manager.

An energetic Guardiola looks enthused for the additional – and longer – time out on the training ground with impressionable minds. Usually a central midfielder, the versatile Mahamadou Susoho (19) has been trialled at right back.

He looked at home when in his natural position in the game with Barca and there will be discussions over his next steps when they’re back in Manchester. City could look to let Susoho learn the rigours of the professional game on loan for a year.

The Haaland-Grealish bromance 

Former neighbours Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish have typically stayed close together throughout the trip, which is to be expected given how close the pair are.

On their time off in New York, two of City’s global superstars took themselves off to The Shops at Columbus Circle – a mall with 10 restaurants next to Central Park – for a dinner date.

They didn’t have to travel far for that, though. The mall was a 30-second walk from their hotel. Probably a wise move to stay close given the attention City are garnering over in the States, with Grealish surrounded by crying girls at a Puma block party.

Grealish spoke with authority during his media commitments out in Orlando on the third leg of the trip, claiming the England snub was the hardest thing he’s ever had to deal with in his career while admitting he needs to do more this season.

The 28-year-old likened this pre-season to two years ago when, off the back of a fine but uninspiring first term at City, he bounced back and became integral to their Treble. Shortly after that appearance in front of the cameras Grealish, sporting a long sleeved training top, remarked his surprise at the intense humidity in Florida following the training session. It does hit differently down there.

Haaland, meanwhile, used his time in front of the media to have some fun with the Americans. He cheerily greeted those present when sitting down for the press conference and when that didn’t provoke anything back, Haaland demanded – playfully but quite forcefully - they say hello properly. Predictably, they loved it.

When the proper stuff kicked off, it was noticeable that the Norwegian began to use his status to discuss how the fluctuating quality of the Euros is down to football’s sapping schedule.

Haaland was also a big hit on a hospital visit in North Carolina and does that side of his job diligently.

Lewis' BBQ blunder 

On the subject of City players with American media, Lewis was asked in Chapel Hill if he’d ever had a barbecue before. A little nonplussed, Lewis repeated the question back and then said: ‘Of course I’ve had a barbecue!’

The inquisitor was probably meaning a North Carolinian pulled pork barbecue in fairness but we’ll never know for sure – the moment was quickly glossed over.

That day brought some clarity on something Lewis said in an interview with Mail Sport last season. He’d proudly told us that his grandfather had played bass for Oasis, only for it to become clear – once it was already published – that he’d actually meant Eric Clapton.

So we just set the record straight on that. Lewis laughed, saying: ‘I was miles off! I don’t know. I was very young! I remembered it wrong. Mum told me straight away, saying “what are you on about?” I was hoping it never got brought up again!’

Sorry, Rico. It’s done now.

Transfer latest 

New signing Savinho is ready to start working at the City Football Academy after spending the week moving into the area. He’ll be in training ahead of the Community Shield after a break following the Copa America.

City fans were excited that the winger might be jetting off to America after he posted a picture of an aeroplane but he is waiting back at his new home and is to be officially unveiled at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

There was a fair bit going on in the transfer market while City were away – but none of it incomings. Yan Couto is off to Borussia Dortmund for more than £20million, Callum Doyle’s agreed a loan with Norwich City and Barcelona are beginning to make overtures for Joao Cancelo again.

Ederson’s future has hung in the air, although Al-Ittihad never got near City’s £50m valuation, while Julian Alvarez has raised the prospect of departing after a lack of minutes in the biggest games. Atletico Madrid are interested, depending on who leaves Diego Simeone’s side. Premier League clubs might find it tougher to negotiate.

There have yet to be concrete rumblings around interest in Kalvin Phillips, who has featured in all three friendlies and will be buoyed by his display at centre half against Barca.

Famous face out in force

Ex-captain Ilkay Gundogan was always known for his undetected runs into the box when leading City to the Treble but his ghosting instincts have gone up a level or two over the past fortnight.

Gundogan, now at Barcelona, is thought to have been in New York with his family while City were there facing AC Milan. And then the German was at the Disney resort hotel Guardiola’s squad were staying in ahead of a friendly against his current side on Wednesday.

Gundogan didn’t cross paths with any of his old teammates on either occasion and looked to be the Ghost of City’s Tour until he bumped into Guardiola for a lengthy conversation ahead of the 2-2 draw with Barca.

Famous faces have been everywhere following City. Andre Agassi, Rihanna and Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla have all been around the camp or attended matches.

Kaka, who almost signed for City in 2009, was also in deep conversation with Guardiola before open training for 4,500 supporters in Orlando. Kaka starred for Orlando City in MLS between 2014-17 and still has a property in the area. Despite not being an official ambassador of the club, the Brazil legend is often seen supporting.

World Cup hosing prep 

Orlando are using their few days with City as a push to show growing capabilities of hosting major events. While missing out on World Cup 2026 selection – Miami took the spot in Florida – Orlando hopes to act as a camp for countries during the tournament.

They are also waiting to see whether FIFA choose them to showcase Club World Cup fixtures in America next summer. With less than 12 months to go, bidding cities still remain in the dark.

It’s thought that FIFA could be ready to announce the schedule and cities for that new expanded version of the competition over the next six weeks.

McAtee stakes claim 

James McAtee, who has been watched by Chelsea among others, told us that he wants to break into City’s team this year rather than going on loan.

He’s linked up nicely with Oscar Bobb – who is easily the standout of the games so far – and a headed goal against AC Milan came after a clever back post run, which is something City do miss.

McAtee’s obviously keen to impress, and rightly so. That even extends to the competitive rondos when, after a tight call went against him, McAtee started to query the decision. Lead analyst Carles Planchart, a key figure in Guardiola’s backroom team, saw this and playfully motioned for McAtee to button it and get on with the game.

Pep Hawke 

Intentionally or not, Guardiola morphed into comedian Troy Hawke on the flight over to the States. The City boss, 53, made sure to go right down the aircraft and ‘welcome everybody to tour’ with a handshake and a short chat.

The gregarious Hawke went viral this time last year with a skit outside the private terminal at Manchester Airport when he made verbose comments to each member of the party, famously labelling Haaland a ‘Norwegian meat shield’.

Presumably Guardiola didn’t tell Grealish that he has a ‘fabulously symmetrical face’ or that Kalvin Phillips is ‘clearly a master of hydration’. Although he does have a way with words…