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Kevin de Bruyne’s final derby: Manchester City and Manchester United at a crossroads

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(FILES) Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) celebrates with Manchester City's Belgian midfielder #17 Kevin De Bruyne (R) after the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England on March 30, 2025. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne confirmed on Friday, April 4, that he will leave the club at the end of the season. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne (second from left) has been the finest player of the club's Pep Guardiola (left) era.

PHOTO: AFP

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Another Manchester derby, with both clubs standing at a pivotal moment. While turmoil remains a constant at Manchester United, Friday served as a reminder that even the greatest teams and players are not immune to the passage of time.

Kevin de Bruyne, widely regarded as the standout player of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola era, will play his final derby on April 6. Reflecting on the moment, he shared an emotional message on social media: “Every story comes to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together.”

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