Manchester City stars train at stunning NRG Stadium ahead of first game against United played on foreign soil

Manchester City were leaving nothing to chance ahead of their historic derby game against Manchester United as the likes of Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus put in a final training session at the NRG Stadium.

The huge indoor arena in Houston will play host to first Manchester derby on foreign soil this Thursday and City were given the advantage of getting used to the pitch as they completed an open session in front of fans.

Walker, who made a stunning £50m move from Tottenham last week, strutted his stuff as he prepared for a baptism of fire against his new club's biggest rivals, albeit in a friendly encounter.

Gabriel Jesus attempts a spectacular volley as City's squad trained at Houston's NRG Stadium

Gabriel Jesus launches tries the spectacular as he executes a scissor-kick during training

Sergio Aguero finds the back of the net as he practices his shooting skills in Houston, USA

Sergio Aguero finds the back of the net as he practices his shooting skills in Houston, USA

Kyle Walker is welcomed by his England team-mate Sterling as they trained ahead of the derby

New Manchester City star Kyle Walker is welcomed by his England team-mate Raheem Sterling

Fans were welcome to sit in the stands to watch Pep Guardiola run his team through their paces and they were then treated to a meet and greet with Jesus and Nicolas Otamendi, who signed autographs afterwards. 


Big hitters Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne were also shaking off the summer rust at the 72,220-capacity stadium, which hosted the dramatic Super Bowl LI in February and is usually home to the NFL's Houston Texans.

The right-back completed a stunning £50m move from Tottenham last week

Manchester City Women's star Carli Lloyd meets manager of the men's team, Pep Guardiola

Manchester City Women's star Carli Lloyd meets manager of the men's team, Pep Guardiola

Kevin De Bruyne covers the lense of the camera as training continues for Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne covers the lense of the camera as training continues for Manchester City

Manchester City's Brahim Diaz (left) is teased by the club captain Vincent Kompany

Manchester City's Brahim Diaz (left) is teased by the club captain Vincent Kompany

It will now be the site of the first Manchester derby taking place outside of Great Britain, a year after their friendly in Beijing was abandoned on short notice due to concerns over the pitch.

While both sides will be keen to see their players come through the game unscathed, it will almost certainly be contested more seriously than most friendlies with Jose Mourinho and Guardiola perhaps hoping for an edge in the mind games to come. 

United have already played two friendlies against MLS sides LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake while City are yet to kick a match ball in pre-season.

This opening fixture will be followed by a game against Real Madrid in LA and a final game against Tottenham at the Nissan Stadium.

Manchester City took part in an open training session in front of fans at the NRG Stadium

Manchester City took part in an open training session in front of fans at the NRG Stadium

Brazilian star Jesus signs autographs for fans following the open training session in Houston

Brazilian star Jesus signs autographs for fans following the open training session in Houston