Phil Foden knows better than most what a Manchester derby means, and as City prepare for Saturday’s early kick-off at Old Trafford, the Academy graduate is relishing another chance to leave his mark on one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
The 25-year-old has already built an impressive derby record. From 16 meetings with Manchester United, Foden has emerged victorious on 10 occasions, finding the net seven times along the way, including his maiden Premier League hat-trick.
Those moments have cemented his status as a player who thrives when emotions run high and the stakes are amplified.
“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.“It feels like there’s more on it, more for the fans and everyone is going to be speaking about it.”
He continued: “We have a little bit of banter with family and friends – it’s just one you want to win and have bragging rights.
“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.”
On the pitch, Foden appears reinvigorated after a challenging 2024/25 campaign. This season, he has rediscovered his rhythm, contributing 10 goals and four assists as City continue to chase trophies on multiple fronts.
His growing chemistry with Jeremy Doku, as well as summer arrivals Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, has added another layer to City’s attacking threat behind Erling Haaland.
With subtle shifts in the squad over the past year, Foden has embraced a slightly altered role, both tactically and in terms of responsibility.
“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.
“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.”
Away from the derby focus, Foden also shared his admiration for City’s latest addition, Antoine Semenyo, who has hit the ground running with goals in his opening two appearances.
“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.”
As anticipation builds for another explosive chapter of the Manchester derby, Foden’s words and form suggest he is ready once more to shoulder the responsibility and chase the bragging rights that come with beating United on their own turf.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
