Manchester City’s concerns over Phil Foden deepen after derby dismissal

Manchester City are reportedly growing increasingly concerned about Phil Foden’s ability to regain sustained form after another troubling incident in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute of City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United after lashing out at Bruno Fernandes.

Although Enzo Maresca’s side still left Old Trafford with three points, the red card has intensified scrutiny of a player who has struggled to recover his previous consistency over the past two seasons.

City increasingly concerned by Foden’s downturn

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City remain willing to give Foden regular opportunities under Maresca, but are increasingly uneasy about his performances.

Brown said City continue to select Foden because they want him to rediscover the form that once made him one of their most influential players.

However, he believes Foden is currently far below his previous standard and must prove himself again. Despite the 26-year-old’s exceptional ability, Brown said City are concerned by his decline over the past 12 to 24 months.

Sunday’s derby did little to ease those concerns. According to Opta, Foden became only the second Manchester City player to be sent off against United in the Premier League, following Bernardo Corradi in 2006.

Foden still has time to reverse the decline

Writing Foden off would be premature. At 26, he remains one of the most naturally gifted English players of his generation.

Even so, City can reasonably expect more from a player who has previously demonstrated an ability to influence major matches.

The red card is not the only concern. It arrived at a stage when Foden urgently needed to re-establish himself as a consistent and decisive presence.

His three-match domestic suspension will now delay his next opportunity to rebuild momentum.

Maresca continues to show faith in Foden, but competition within City’s squad is relentless. Iliman Ndiaye is already making an impact, having completed six dribbles and won five fouls after replacing Foden at half-time in the derby.

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