Manchester City head to Old Trafford for the derby, and the team news is now clearer. Jeremy Doku will miss the trip. A calf injury has ruled him out of the Manchester derby. That shifts attention to Phil Foden’s record in this fixture, and to Enzo Maresca’s plan to lean on his homegrown forward again. This update reflects the position as of 1 October 2026, ahead of kick-off.
Doku’s absence removes one of City’s most direct runners. That leaves Foden as the player most likely to carry City’s attacking threat against United. Few of his team-mates can match his record in this game, as our original report on Phil Foden’s derby role set out in detail.
Enzo Maresca on Phil Foden’s academy roots and derby role
Maresca was asked directly whether Foden raises his game against United. His answer was short: “Probably, yes.”
The manager then explained why this fixture means more to a player raised in City’s academy.
He’s from the house, he’s from the academy. The feeling for him is different compared to the rest of the players.
That academy link matters to Maresca. It explains why he rates Foden’s role in this fixture so highly.
Phil Foden’s goal record against Manchester United
Phil Foden has played Manchester United 17 times, scoring seven goals and adding one assist. Only Bournemouth and Brighton have seen more goal involvements from him than United have.
Foden scored a hat-trick as City beat United 6-3 at the Etihad in October 2022. He struck twice more in March 2024. City came from behind to win 3-1, with Foden at the heart of it.
The Phil Foden Manchester derby story carries real weight again this week.
What happens next for Manchester City at Old Trafford
Doku is missing. Maresca is expected to start Foden in one of City’s key attacking roles at Old Trafford. No other injuries have been confirmed, and Maresca has not revealed further changes to his starting eleven.
Years of careful transfer business have shaped City’s forward options, including previous squad additions and transfer moves that still shape how Maresca manages his squad when injuries strike. For now, the plan centres on Foden doing what he has done so often against United: delivering when it matters most.
