Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland as “better than ever” after the striker’s derby double inspired Manchester City to a 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United. Haaland’s ruthless brace, alongside a crucial opener from Phil Foden, saw the Citizens dominate at the Etihad. Guardiola later labelled Foden as “the heart of the club” in a glowing tribute to the Englishman.
Phil Foden dedicated victory to late boxing legend Ricky Hatton after Manchester City beat local rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the derby just hours after it was announced that the famous City fan had passed away aged just 46. Foden scored on his first start to the season and claimed the tragic news gave his side extra motivation to win the derby.
Manchester City returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden struck the decisive blows in a 3-0 thumping of local rivals Manchester United in Sunday's derby. Foden opened the scoring in the first half before Haaland took the game away from the visitors with a brace in the second period.
Pep Guardiola has spoken of how important it is that Phil Foden returns to full fitness, as the Manchester City manager wants to see the England man "playing with joy" and with a smile on his face once again. It has been a difficult recent period for the 2023/24 PFA Player of the Year, who struggled for form last season and has spent time out recently with an ankle injury.
Manchester City’s midfield crisis has deepened as both Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic join Rodri on the injury list ahead of the Premier League season. Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kovacic could be sidelined until October with an achilles problem, leaving the champions scrambling for solutions in the No.6 role. Foden’s setback further adds to Guardiola’s early-season selection headache.