There is an interesting subplot brewing surrounding Rayan Cherki ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby. | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki has made a tremendous impact at Manchester City in his first season at the club. Cherki arrived at City from Lyon last summer and has quickly established himself as a key player in Pep Guardiola’s side. So far this season Cherki has scored six goals and added nine assists in 24 appearances in all competitions. He put in a devastating cameo off the bench in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park to help City seize control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

Up next for Manchester City is Manchester United at Old Trafford. Cherki will enter that match in form. He also took a swipe at City’s arch-rivals in the media last summer, which makes for an interesting subplot ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby.

Rayan Cherki has stated that he wants to ‘kill’ Manchester United.

In an interview with Jack Gaughan which was published in the Daily Mail last summer, Rayan Cherki shared his feelings on Manchester United. Cherki played in Manchester United’s 5-4 win over Lyon in their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie last April. United’s 5-4 win saw them eliminate Lyon 7-6 on aggregate as United made their way to last season’s Europa League final, which they lost to Tottenham. Speaking on that match and his feelings on Manchester United, Rayan Cherki said:: “I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais. Now I am waiting for the game to kill them. I just wanted to go to Manchester City.”

The spotlight may be on Cherki in Saturday’s Manchester derby but he is made for such occasions.

Rayan Cherki missed Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Manchester United in September due to injury. He hasn’t had the opportunity yet to play in a Manchester derby. His wait to play in the fixture will end on Saturday. Based on how Cherki comes across as a person and a player, it is doubtful that a hostile reception from the Manchester United fans will phase him. If the United fans remember Cherki’s comments from last summer, he could be public enemy number one at Old Trafford on Saturday. That could be a role that Cherki thrives in. He looks to be a player who thrives on the big stage and in a hostile environment. If playing the villain is what awaits Cherki on Saturday it will be be fascinating to see how he responds to that reception.

Rayan Cherki has previously made his feelings clear about Manchester United. He doesn’t like them at all. Those comments endeared Cherki to Manchester City fans well before he made such an impact for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. Cherki could be public enemy number one at Old Trafford on Saturday. That could bring out the best in the French international, and if it does, Cherki could be a match-winner in the upcoming Manchester derby.