'A lot of talk' - Phil Foden sends clear message as Erling Haaland makes Man City statement

• Sport
• Football
• Manchester City FC

Phil Foden produced a superb showing as Manchester City swept aside Manchester United 3-0 in the Premier League

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola celebrates the 3-0 win with Phil Foden during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Phil Foden is determined to use his star showing in the Manchester derby as a launch pad to return to the highs that saw him crowned the best footballer in England 18 months ago.

The Manchester City star made his first Premier League start of the season in Sunday's 3-0 win over United, opening the scoring with a fine header and producing a vibrant display in a more central role.

Foden was sensational in the 2023-24 campaign, inspiring City to a fourth straight Premier League title. But neither he nor the Blues could repeat those heights last term and form and fitness have proved problematic for the England international.

But the 25-year-old was back in the team at the Etihad and back to his best. Foden said he was delighted to find some form after a difficult period where he has spoken openly about his struggles on and off the pitch.

"There has been a lot of talk. It's impossible [not to see it]," he said, speaking to Sky Sports after the derby victory. "Everything I see at the moment is negative but that's the world we live in.

"When you come off winning player of the season, the standards are higher. I understand that. It's about reading those comments and reacting, to come back to my level."

Foden was joined on post match interview duty by striker Erling Haaland, who scored the other two goals in the commanding 3-0 win over United. And the striker was quick to praise his team-mate.

"We have to keep this guy (Foden) going because we need him so much," said the Norwegian. "This is the Phil we need, all of Man City are waiting for this and we are all going to help him."

---

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.