In the Premier League this weekend, all eyes were on Manchester United as new manager Michael Carrick hosted rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils stunned many though, winning 2-0 thanks to second half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
Most would have tipped the away team to come away with the points, especially with Man United in disarray of late, following the recent sacking of Ruben Amorim. Carrick, who is in charge until the end of the season, however, clearly help inspire a fiery performance from his team.
Despite the goals coming after the break, it was actually an impressive first half for the home team as well, with Man Utd putting the ball into the back of the net on two occasions, only for the goals to be ruled out for offside on each occasion. Evidently unhappy with how the opening 45 minutes went, Pep Guardiola made a notable half-time substitution. It was too little too late in the game, but it could be a sign of things to come.
Foden Has Forgettable Manchester Derby
Manchester City's Phil Foden embraces Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after being substituted vs Man Utd
Phil Foden was trusted from the off against Man United, in a light-weight midfield trio alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva, but it proved to be a bad mistake by his manager. The Englishman was essentially a non-factor in the game, managing only 30 touches, and doing very little with them.
Indeed, in his 45-minute cameo, he lost the ball eight times, failed to register a single shot at goal and generated just 0.03 in expected assists, with only one accurate cross out of three attempted. All this shows just how little threat Foden carried.
Goal's player rating, in which he got a lowly 4/10 mark, summed up the mood, with journalist Richie Mills remarking:
"The England international was quite anonymous in the first half and didn't return for the second half."
Guardiola clearly made a mistake by starting the Englishman and looked to rectify it by bringing on Rayan Cherki at the break. Foden has now started six Premier League games in a row without registering a goal or an assist. It's time for him to come out of the team, and put more faith in Cherki as the primary creator going forward.
diogo dalot Related
Premier League Statement as Mike Dean Drops Strong Verdict on Dalot Foul vs Man City
While the Premier League has vindicated Anthony Taylor's decision, the former referee has vehemently disagreed.
Man City Fans Slam Phil Foden
Phil Foden puts his head in his hands during Manchester City's loss against Newcastle
Fans online were also far from impressed with Foden, making clear their frustration. One wrote:
"Foden is such a non-factor he can’t connect midfield and attack, when he’s in the final third he makes the wrong decision what is wrong with him."
Another added: "Foden is the most protected guy in the world. 0 creative sense whatsoever." While a third wrote: "Foden is a disgrace at the moment, shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting XI."
Another upset City fan said: "Foden has been absolutely awful should never have started over Cherki, hopefully I'm proved wrong."
While another was no kindder, writing: "Phil Foden were trouble again he’s so so poor right know. We need all the players to be on form in this important stage of season but Phil is disgraceful."
One also took aim at Erling Haaland, noting: "Absolutely SHOCKING first half from Haaland and Foden."
Stats via Sofascore