Manchester City opened the scoring against Manchester United through a rare Phil Foden goal
17:35, 14 Sep 2025Updated 17:39, 14 Sep 2025

Roy Keane slammed Manchester United defender Luke Shaw for his role in Manchester City's opening goal against Ruben Amorim's side during the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola's City took the lead in the 18th minute at the Etihad Stadium as Phil Foden scored his first Premier League goal since January, heading Jeremy Doku's cross into the far corner.
However, it looked far too easy from United's perspective. Shaw allowed Doku to dribble past him with ease before getting to the by-line and delivering at the second attempt for Foden to head home. Fernandes, meanwhile, let Foden run from behind him and get into the space to score.
Reflecting on the goal at half-time, Keane told Sky Sports: "Very good from City, Doku and Foden... timing perfect not getting in there too early.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
"But United's defending, the two midfielders beforehand are too square and Shaw just gives up. It's a nice bit of skill, but Shaw's an England international player.
"He's got hundreds of games under his belt, he doesn't even get his body position right. It's like he has thrown the towel in. We know people can run off the back of Bruno, that's been going on for years.
"But my goodness, even before that, you've got two midfielders - they are too square. One pass takes them out. Far too easy. Shaw just throws the towel in there."
Micah Richards blamed Fernandes for the goal and believes he should have tracked Foden. "I just want to look at Fernandes' position here, though," Richards admitted.
"He's playing in that two in midfield and once the ball is over at that side, now you have got to read the danger and he just loses Foden there. Just switches off and it wasn't good enough."
City continued to probe as the half wore on but United were a threat on the counter-attack. Benjamin Sesko got in behind on a couple of occasions and forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into two smart saves.
Despite this, City led 1-0 going into the break - a scoreline that Pep Guardiola would have been pleased with.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
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