The highly anticipated Manchester derby between United and City ended in a goalless stalemate, but the headlines were dominated not by the football, but by a distasteful chant from the stands. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has condemned a group of Manchester United fans who aimed abusive chants at Phil Foden, specifically targeting his mother during the first half of the match at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola did not hold back. “It’s a lack of class,” he said bluntly. “It’s not about Manchester United the club—it’s the people. We, as footballers, managers, and owners, are all exposed. But involving someone’s mother? That shows no integrity or decency. Those fans should be ashamed.”
Offensive Chant Sparks Outrage Within Manchester City
The abuse directed at Foden occurred while City attacked towards the Stretford End in the opening 45 minutes. Although the exact words were not disclosed publicly, City sources confirmed their outrage at the content and the scale of participation from home fans.
City’s internal response was reportedly one of shock and disgust. The club considers the behaviour unacceptable, especially as it involved a personal and unwarranted attack on a player’s family member. Guardiola’s remarks reflect a broader concern in football over the rising levels of abuse from the stands, particularly of a personal nature.
United Acknowledges Incident, Condemns Abuse
While Manchester United has not released a formal statement, club insiders indicated their position is clear: they condemn all forms of abusive or personal chanting targeting players or their families. With tensions already running high in a fiercely contested derby, the incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a competitive, but respectful, encounter.
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A Derby That Failed to Deliver On the Pitch
City’s Top Four Hopes Complicated
The match itself ended 0-0, a result that does little to boost Manchester City’s ambitions for a top-four finish. With only seven games remaining, Guardiola’s men sit in fifth place with 52 points—just behind Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
Despite dominating much of the possession and looking the more organised side, City lacked the cutting edge to break down a resilient United defence. Guardiola admitted his team struggled to generate fluid attacks, particularly in the final third.
“We should have played with more rhythm and clarity in the build-up,” he said. “But the players gave everything. We’ll regroup quickly—Palace, Everton, Villa and the FA Cup semi-final are all coming fast.”
United’s Rebuilding Process Still in Progress
On the red side of Manchester, the draw leaves United languishing in 13th place. Head coach Rúben Amorim acknowledged the scale of the task ahead.
“To be truly competitive against a side like City, it’s going to take time,” Amorim said. “Their control, their possession—they’ve been playing this way for years. We’re still adapting. We had better moments against Arsenal. Today was a different challenge.”
The Portuguese tactician was candid about the difficulties of reshaping United’s identity in a short time frame. “We’re suffering a lot through this transition,” he added. “But the expectation is there, and we must show something by next season. That’s the pressure we’re under.”
Fan Unrest Continues Amid Ownership Discontent
After the final whistle, several hundred United fans remained behind as part of a pre-organised protest led by the 1958 Group, a supporter collective campaigning against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club.
Although peaceful, the demonstration underlined the continued dissatisfaction among a portion of the fanbase. Coupled with the abusive chanting earlier in the match, the atmosphere surrounding the club remains tense on multiple fronts—on the pitch, in the stands, and in the boardroom.
Guardiola Calls for Reflection
In closing, Guardiola reiterated his hope that those responsible for the chant targeting Foden’s mother reflect on their behaviour.
“Football is about passion, yes,” he said, “but also respect. I hope people can understand the impact their words have, especially when families are brought into it. We must do better.”
