Foden on the Manchester derby: Anything can happen!

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Manchester City F.C.

·16 Januari 2026

Foden on the Manchester derby: Anything can happen!

Phil Foden is well aware of the extra edge to a Manchester derby.

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Our 25-year-old Academy graduate has starred in several famous victories over our cross-city rivals and will be hoping to do so again in this Saturday’s 12:30 (UK) kick-off.

The Stockport-born midfielder has won 10 of his 16 meetings with Manchester United, scoring seven times including his first ever Premier League hat-trick.

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That record all points to a player who knows what this rivalry means to the fans.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s short trip to Old Trafford, Foden insisted this clash is about more than just the three points.

“For me, it’s such a big occasion. It’s one of the most important games and something I look at straight away,” he said.

“It’s a game I really want to be available for and play in.

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“It feels like there’s more on it, more for the fans and everyone is going to be speaking about it.

“We have a little bit of banter with family and friends – it’s just one you want to win and have bragging rights.

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“It’s a one-off game – anything can happen and we’ve seen that in other derbies as well. We’ve just got to remain focused and try and do our job and do what we’re best at.”

After a difficult 2024/25 campaign, Foden has looked more like his old self this season.

He’s netted 10 goals and laid on four assists as City compete for silverware across all fronts.

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The midfielder has also struck up partnerships with the likes of Jeremy Doku and summer signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders in the spaces behind central striker Erling Haaland.

With several changes in the squad over the last 12 months, that has left Foden with an updated role on and off the pitch.

“I feel like I’m influencing games quite a lot and helping the team build up – finding a new role and playing a lot deeper in some games,” he reflected on his season so far.

“I feel refreshed – my mind feels fresh and I feel like I’m helping the team any way I can. I feel like I’ve got the talent to score and assist in big games.

“The team looks at me sometimes to do something and unlock the defence. That’s the player I want to be. I feel I can still improve and get better as a player.”

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Antoine Semenyo is the latest player to arrive at the Etihad Stadium and has started quickly, scoring in his first two games.

Foden has been impressed with what he’s seen so far from the winger.

“The physicality and pace he has one v one, he can hold the ball up as well. He can do it all with both feet,” he said.

“He’s an unbelievable talent and he’s started well at the moment so hopefully he can continue. The team is so welcoming and easy to fit into so I feel he will adapt straight away.”