Why is Phil Foden not in the starting lineup? Manchester City fans have put forward their theories

Last season was phenomenal for Phil Foden, with the young star netting 27 goals across all competitions, a feat that earned him the Premier League Player of the Season award.

However, this season, he finds himself mostly on the bench, and Manchester City fans have begun speculating why Pep Guardiola isn’t fully utilizing the talented midfielder.

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Details: In nine matches this season, Foden has only featured in five, starting just once - in the League Cup clash against Watford. City fans are baffled by Guardiola's decision, especially with Ilkay Gündogan's return seemingly pushing Foden out of the starting lineup.

A flurry of comments online suggest the issue may stem from a rift between Guardiola and Foden.

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Quote: “Something’s going on between Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola that we don’t know about. From winning Premier League Player of the Year to rotting on City’s bench,” wrote one user on social media platform X.

Another added, “Pep Guardiola needs to swallow his pride and START Phil Foden from now on. What a cameo. He’s already been directly involved in two huge moments.”

“There’s no reason Gündogan should ever play ahead of Foden in the 10-yard zone. We looked ten times more aggressive and dangerous in the final third the moment he came on. These over-intellectualized decisions are frustrating. Play the best players in their best positions,” vented another fan.

“The fact that Foden is sitting on the bench while Gündogan starts is atrocious,” echoed another user.

Reminder: Gündogan left Manchester City for Barcelona last summer, but returned just a year later. After a few early starts this season, he’s regained his place in the starting XI, a strategy Guardiola seems intent on maintaining.