Enzo Maresca believes the Manchester derby means something different to Phil Foden – and the City midfielder has the record against United to prove it.
Foden has faced City’s neighbours 17 times in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. Only against Bournemouth and Brighton has he registered more goal involvements during his career.
There have been some memorable ones too. Foden scored a hat-trick in City’s 6-3 win at the Etihad in October 2022 before scoring twice as Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat United 3-1 in March 2024.
Maresca knows this fixture has an extra edge for a player who grew up supporting City and came through the club’s academy.
“Probably, yes,” he said when asked whether Foden raises his game in the derby. “He’s from the house, he’s from the academy. The feeling for him is different compared to the rest of the players.”
Foden has seven goals against United already and tomorrow could offer another opportunity. Jeremy Doku’s calf injury leaves City without one of their main attacking threats at Old Trafford, while Maresca has plenty of options as he decides how to shape his midfield and attack.
Foden, though, knows this fixture better than most.
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