In a tense Manchester derby that ended in a goalless draw on April 6, 2025, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his outrage at the derogatory chants directed at Phil Foden by Manchester United fans. The match, held at Old Trafford, saw both teams struggle to create meaningful chances, but the off-field controversy surrounding Foden's treatment stole the headlines.
During the match, a section of the United supporters could be heard singing vile taunts aimed at Foden, including the chant, "Phil Foden, your mum is a s***!" This prompted a furious response from Guardiola in the post-match press conference, where he stated, "Lack of class, but it's not United, it's the people. We are so exposed... managers, owners, football players especially. I do not understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil. It's a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed." Guardiola's comments highlighted the ongoing issue of abusive behavior in football, calling for greater accountability among fans.
The chants were particularly disheartening for Foden, who has had a challenging season. Despite a brief resurgence in January where he scored six goals in four games, Foden has struggled to replicate his previous form, going 13 games without a goal in the league. Guardiola defended his player, emphasizing the importance of support: "When the team is not playing at the level that we had, it looks like everyone is not what they were. I see the passion and smile on his face every day in training, and that is what I want. His impact was incredible, and he will be back." Foden won the Premier League Player of the Season award for 2023/24, making his current struggles all the more poignant.
The match itself was characterized by a lack of excitement, with both teams failing to find the back of the net. Guardiola remarked on the performance, stating, "Of course it would be better to win, but Old Trafford is Old Trafford – always you have to make a good performance to win. When we lost the ball, we were not good, and they could run. The first 10-15 minutes of the second half were our best moments, and I saw some good things, but we were not in the position to hurt them more. But it's fine. We take the point and we move forward." This draw leaves City in fifth place in the Premier League table, just one point behind Chelsea, while United remains in 13th.
Former United defender Gary Neville, who was providing commentary during the match, criticized both teams for their lackluster performance, stating that the encounter played out "like a friendly." This sentiment echoed the frustrations of fans who have witnessed their club struggle this season. United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, acknowledged the criticism but defended his team, saying, "I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything, so I understand that part, but then I understand that we are not fighting – we are in the moment that we are doing the worst season in history." Amorim emphasized that it will take time for United to return to their former glory, stating, "To be really dominant against any opponent is going to take a lot of time. We have to use different weapons when we face different opponents."
As the game concluded and the players left the pitch, a sit-in protest organized by the 1958 group took place, with fans expressing their discontent with the Glazer family's ownership of the club. This added another layer of tension to an already charged atmosphere at Old Trafford, where frustrations have been mounting over the team's performance and management.
Looking ahead, Guardiola remains focused on the upcoming fixtures, with City preparing to face Crystal Palace next. He commented on the club's current position, saying, "Seven games, Crystal Palace next, go for it. I’d prefer to have 10 more points or 12 more points, but it is what it is. It's Old Trafford, it's always difficult. We fought, and we were there. The players gave everything. We should attack with more fluidity." The pressure is on as City aims to secure a Champions League spot, with crucial matches against Everton and Aston Villa on the horizon, along with an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
In the wake of the derby, the focus remains not only on the teams' performances but also on the behavior of fans and the culture surrounding football. Guardiola's call for accountability and respect serves as a reminder of the impact that words can have, both on players and the broader football community. As the season progresses, both Manchester clubs will need to navigate their challenges, on and off the pitch, as they strive to reclaim their status among the elite in English football.
