Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has opened up about the pivotal decision he made as a child, opting to join City over their fierce rivals Manchester United. The 19-year-old, who has already made appearances in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, cited City’s superior training as the deciding factor in shaping his footballing journey.

A Choice That Shaped His Career

Born and raised in Manchester, O’Reilly was scouted by multiple top clubs during his early grassroots days, including Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, and City. However, when it came time to make a choice as an Under-8, O’Reilly followed his instincts and chose City.

In a conversation on the Official Man City Podcast, O’Reilly reflected on the experience:
“The first team that scouted me was actually United and then City came in for me, as well as Liverpool and Everton. Before you sign a contract, you train with all the teams. I had a choice when I was Under-8s and Under-9s out of City and United. I chose City because the training was a lot better.”

This decision has proven to be a defining moment for O’Reilly, as he now finds himself on the cusp of making his Premier League debut for the reigning champions.

Rising Through the Ranks

Despite not yet featuring in the Premier League, O’Reilly has been a regular on Pep Guardiola’s bench this season. His performances in other competitions, coupled with Guardiola’s trust in his potential, suggest that it’s only a matter of time before the midfielder gets his top-flight breakthrough.

During pre-season, Guardiola was particularly complimentary about O’Reilly’s unique profile, praising his physical presence—a trait not commonly associated with City academy graduates:
“He can play with us. Normally in the academy, all the players are [short], like Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb. Now, it’s nice to have Nico. It’s the work of the academy, we are blessed.”

A Bright Future

O’Reilly’s story highlights the importance of development environments in shaping young players. His decision to prioritize the quality of training at City over the allure of United’s historic legacy demonstrates a maturity and focus that are rare in such young talents.

With Guardiola’s endorsement and his experience in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League, O’Reilly looks set to be one of the next stars to emerge from City’s impressive academy system. Fans will be eager to see him step onto the Premier League stage and fulfill the potential that convinced him to choose City over United all those years ago.

As City continues to dominate English football, O’Reilly’s rise is another testament to their commitment to nurturing young talent. His journey serves as inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere, proving that the right decision at the right time can pave the way for greatness.