Pep Guardiola will not give Kevin De Bruyne defensive responsibilities as he aims to get the most creatively out of his playmaker.
De Bruyne has played as a No.8 in Guardiola's system for the seven years he has been at the club, but has been pushed forward and used to support the attack or as a false nine at times.
The Belgian said drily last year that while most players move further back as their careers progress he seemed to be pushing forward.
That is exactly the way Guardiola wants it at Manchester City. Julian Alvarez was deployed in a deeper role than De Bruyne against Chelsea despite being a striker by trade, and the manager does not see a time coming when he asks his most talented player in the final third to step back. READ MORE: City get Jack Grealish boost ahead of United game "No.