'The squad has been allowed to grow too old together'

Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

NMP: Do you think Manchester City might be paying a price for not renewing an ageing squad quicker? Their past few transfer windows have been uneventful, Savinho hasn't taken the game by storm and Ilkay Gundogan is clearly not what he once was. We've seen it happen to other successful squads. Do they need a big overhaul?

Phil: I think they are. The squad has been allowed to grow too old together and even the greatest players and teams need renewal, especially after having so many miles in their legs over so many years. And they are only human, sometimes it is just hard to have the same thirst for success every season after winning so many trophies.

I do agree the transfer strategy has been flawed. City may now regret not standing firm when Cole Palmer wanted to leave, while Julian Alvarez was allowed to go without a replacement being signed.

And then you look at incomings. Kalvin Phillips was a failure while Matheus Nunes simply has not done it yet.

I bow to no-one in my admiration for Gundogan, who was instrumental in so many triumphs at Manchester City, but his return from Barcelona looks like a season too far for the 34-year-old.

I think City will learn the lessons and be very active to rebuild the team, first in January and then more significantly next summer to overhaul the side.

Adam Bateman: What more has to happen for Pep Guardiola to be sacked?

Phil: Maybe losing his next 40 games?

Let's be realistic here. Manchester City are not going to sack the greatest coach of the modern era. He will decide when he leaves Etihad Stadium and he is clearly not going anywhere yet as he has just signed a new two-year contract.

Guardiola has brought unprecedented success to Manchester City and will be entrusted to build what he will hope is the next great side.