Manchester City will get their Club World Cup campaign underway next week – and fans want to see a good showing out in the US.
Manchester City had a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing third in the Premier League and winning no other trophies.
The loss of Rodri to injury derailed City – but the problems were bigger than just one player, as important as the Spaniard is.
Too many players who were previously so dependable were just way below par – and some of those underperformers could now leave the club in a big shake-up.
Phil Foden was arguably one of the biggest underperformers in 2024/25 for City.
But fans back him to turn things around in 2025/26, and what he and also Omar Marmoush were doing in training bodes well.
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Phil Foden playing for Manchester City against Sporting CP.
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Foden’s drop-off in 2024/25 was very disappointing.
But there were genuine reasons for his struggles, with Foden contending with injury and also dealing with ‘things going on off the pitch mentally’ (via Guardian).
He, more than anyone, will be determined to improve next term – and City shared some promising footage of the academy graduate yesterday.
A handful of City players were taking shots in training, with Foden and Omar Marmoush shown the most.
Both players looked very sharp, with Foden scoring two goals and Marmoush scoring four.
At the end of the clip, Foden can be heard saying, ‘winner winner chicken dinner’, suggesting he may actually have scored more. He then tried to make a beeline for Marmoush, who wasn’t having any of Foden’s gloating.
The pair appeared to be in competition, which can only be healthy.
Erling is likely to be City’s main source of goals again in 2025/26.
But Pep Guardiola needs goals from other sources, and if Foden and Marmoush are competing against each other in training, hopefully they’ll do the same in games next term.
Marmoush is a gem of a signing for Man City
Omar Marmoush celebrates after scoring for Manchester City.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
There’s a lot of focus on what City have done in the last week or so with the four new signings.
But potentially next season, Marmoush could be a key player for City.
He’s already scored eight goals in 22 games and has looked a threat whenever he’s been on the pitch.
Omar Marmoush for Man City (Jan 2023-present)
Appearances – 22
Minutes played – 1555
Goals – 8
Assists – 3
The Egypt international is a player who looks to make things happen and is more direct than most of his teammates.
He also has a rocket of a shot, as we all saw against Bournemouth last month.
Pundit Joe Cole said Marmoush was actually Man City’s best player in 2024/25, despite only joining midway through the season. That really does indicate what a brilliant impact he made.
Ideally, his brilliance and consistency will inspire Foden to improve next term, as well as other attacking players such as Jeremy Doku and Savinho.