The 1990–91 season was Manchester City's second consecutive season in the top tier of English football, the Football League First Division.

Howard Kendall built a strong Manchester City side that spent the first few months of the season near the top of the table, but left in November, with City in fifth, to return to Everton, justifying his move by claiming that Manchester City was his affair but Everton was his marriage.^[2] Midfielder Peter Reid was named as caretaker before being appointed permanent City manager; he led the Mancunians to fifth place. Andy Hill became Peter Reid's first major signing as a manager paying Bury £200,000 for his capture.

Irish striker Niall Quinn was City's top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions. He was named the club's Player of the Year.

City's kit was manufactured by English company Umbro and sponsored by Japanese electronics manufacturer Brother.

Squad at end of season^[3]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  ENG Tony Coton — GK  WAL Martyn Margetson — GK  WAL Andy Dibble — DF  ENG Alan Harper — DF  ENG Neil Pointon — DF  ENG Steve Redmond — DF  ENG David Brightwell — DF  ENG Ian Brightwell — DF  SCO Colin Hendry — DF  ENG Andy Hill — MF  ENG Mark Brennan — MF  ENG Adrian Heath

No. Pos. Nation Player — MF  ENG Steve McMahon — MF  ENG Paul Lake — MF  ENG Gary Megson — MF  ENG Mike Quigley — MF  ENG Peter Reid (player-manager) — MF  ENG Mark Ward — MF  ENG David White — FW  ENG Clive Allen — FW  ENG Jason Beckford — FW  ENG Wayne Clarke — FW  ENG Ashley Ward — FW  IRL Niall Quinn

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — DF  ENG Mark Seagraves (to Bolton Wanderers)

• Andy Hinchcliffe - Everton
• Mark Seagraves - Bolton Wanderers

• Andy Hill - Bury