<
>

Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Foden ready for derby showdown

Manchester City's Phil Foden has dismissed the suggestion that Manchester United are under pressure heading into the Manchester derby.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's future as United manager has been the subject of intense scrutiny following the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

United bounced back with a 3-0 win over Tottenham but needed a stoppage time equaliser from Cristiano Ronaldo to earn a 2-2 draw with Atalanta on Tuesday. Solskjaer's team have won only four of their last 11 games but Foden does not believe City will line up at Old Trafford on Saturday as heavy favourites.

"They've got two good results recently so they'll be full of confidence," he said. "It's going to be a really challenging game and I'm looking forward to it.

"Growing up, being a fan, I know what it means so it is going to be special to play in the derby."

Despite United's mixed start to the season, victory this weekend would see them move level on points with City. Pep Guardiola's side cruised past Club Brugge 4-1 on Wednesday to get back to winning ways following their Carabao Cup exit to West Ham and a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

"We needed to bounce back from previous defeats so it is going to give us confidence going into the derby," Foden said. "We're ready to play them [United] whenever.

"We know how hard it is at their stadium with their fans but we're feeling confident."

Foden could start the derby as the No. 9 in Guardiola's system after netting another goal against Brugge. The 21-year-old is up to five for the season after being converted into a more attacking role this season.

"I'm enjoying it, It's a new role for me, something new," Foden added.

I'm enjoying scoring, it's good for the confidence. All I can say is I'm happy to score and I want to keep up the goalscoring."