Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will have learnt a lot about his side this season, perhaps more so than when he won the Treble.

The Blues have struggled this campaign with a rotten run of form between October and December putting paid to any hope of retaining their title. Thankfully for Guardiola, the drastic decline has eased off and City are now regrouping as they look to finish inside the top four in the Premier League.

After back-to-back victories to end one year and start another, there are no illusions that everything is fixed at the Etihad Stadium and City look ready to do business in the January market to try and strengthen their group. Here at MEN Sport we have had a stab at taking over from Guardiola and managing the Blues in the winter window.

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£50m transfer

One of the reasons why City have not been performing to their absolute peak this season is because Erling Haaland has gone off the boil. The 24-year-old still has a healthy 21 goals to his name this season in all competitions but constantly playing the striker during this difficult period at the end of 2024 has left him in desperate need of a rest.

That has not been possible due to a lack of options in the squad following the departure of Julian Alvarez so a new striker would be ideal. Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush is the player that City have identified and it is thought £50m minimum will be needed to tempt the German club into a sale.

But having spent limited amounts in the summer, perhaps now is the time to break the bank.

Rodri replacement

Another key problem for the Blues this season is that they have struggled without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri in the holding midfield role. City's defence has lacked protection throughout and it has shown up failings that were previously invisible.

Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi could be the ideal player to come in during the winter to bolster the midfield. There have been reports that the Spaniard has regretted not moving to Liverpool in the summer and City could swoop in to bring him on board.

Few players can replace Rodri's talent but Zubimendi has done a good job of doing just that internationally when needed.

Grealish decision

Jack Grealish is struggling at the moment and he needs a fresh start to try and reinvigorate his career. It is unclear whether his City career is completely dead and buried.

I would hasten to say it isn't as we all know what he can do. But, perhaps a spell on loan in Europe could do him the world of good.

You wonder whether City could utilise their Football Group to organise him a loan move to Girona. It would give Grealish a fresh start and a chance to experience a new culture.

But having welcomed a child in 2024, perhaps he would be more responsive to a loan stint to another Premier League club.