Charity Sub! Rooney Opens On Phil Foden’s Tough Spell at Man City

Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Phil Foden’s stoppage-time appearance in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal felt like a “charity” substitution.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola introduced Foden introduced off the bench in the 90th minute as City close in on a remarkable 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.

The Englishman replaced Rayan Cherki who has been in superb form since his arrival in the summer.

In what has been a torrid season for Foden, the 25-year-old has started only four of City’s past 13 matches in all competitions. He has not scored in his past 20 appearances dating back to 14 December.

Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United forward said: “I felt sad for him but not sad because he is coming on in a cup final.

“There was a game a few days ago when he didn’t even get on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would think good experience. But to see Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch.

“I don’t know what has happened, he is a top player. It feels strange he can’t get anywhere near the team. It feels like something has gone on there.

Phil Foden celebrates with the EFL trophy following his side’s victory at the end of the Carabao Cup Final against Arsenal. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

“I thought Foden was in good form but all of a sudden we haven’t seen him get any minutes. Firstly he will be pleased they won the cup but from a selfish point of view, he would have wanted to be out there and having an influence.

“That will be a tough one for him.”

Foden is also eager to regain his place in the team, as he hopes the International break will offer a new breathe.

“Football sometimes is not straightforward,” Foden said after the victory over the Gunners. “There are ups and downs and sometimes you can’t be the best version of yourself and that’s the way it is.

“It’s just about how you pick yourself back up. I’m still keeping my head down, trying to train as well as I can every day.

“Hopefully I come back after the internationals a lot sharper and hopefully I can get more minutes and be back to where I was at the start of the season.”