Phil Foden, one of Manchester City’s brightest talents and a vital figure in their success under Pep Guardiola, has expressed his disappointment following his close friend Jarrad Branthwaite’s decision to sign for Manchester United. The two share a bond that stretches beyond the football field, having been teammates for England’s national side. Foden’s sentiments about Branthwaite’s choice reflect not just personal frustration, but also the broader context of the fierce rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.
In a candid interview, Foden revealed that he had personally tried to convince Branthwaite to join the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City. With City currently enjoying a period of unparalleled success, both domestically and on the European stage, Foden felt it was a no-brainer for his friend to make the move to the Etihad. “I told him to come to Manchester City,” Foden explained. “We’ve been dominating in England and Europe, and I thought it would be an easy choice for him.”
However, to Foden’s dismay, Branthwaite opted to join Manchester United, a club that, in recent years, has struggled to live up to its former glories. United’s inconsistency and lack of silverware stand in stark contrast to City’s trophy-filled seasons under Guardiola, making Branthwaite’s decision all the more surprising to those who follow both clubs closely. Despite the persuasive efforts of his friend, Branthwaite chose the red side of Manchester, believing in United’s long-term project and the chance to be part of a squad rebuild.
Foden’s disappointment was palpable when he spoke about the missed opportunity to play alongside Branthwaite at City. “I thought playing alongside him at City would have been perfect,” Foden admitted. “I know what he can bring to a team, and I wanted to be part of that with him.” His comments highlight the frustration of a player who, having seen his team’s incredible success, believed that Branthwaite’s decision was not only surprising but perhaps a missed chance for the young defender to fast-track his career with a winning team.
The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is long-standing, but in recent years, it has taken on new dimensions. City, once dubbed the “noisy neighbors” by Sir Alex Ferguson, have risen to become the dominant force in English football. Under Guardiola’s stewardship, they have won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and even captured the coveted Champions League trophy. Manchester United, by contrast, have struggled to return to their former glory since Ferguson’s retirement, with managerial instability and inconsistency on the pitch becoming recurring themes.
Despite these contrasting fortunes, Branthwaite’s choice to join Manchester United signals his belief in their rebuilding process. United, despite their recent struggles, remain one of the biggest clubs in world football, and their allure is still strong for players wanting to make a name for themselves. Branthwaite’s decision to be part of United’s project, rather than joining an already established powerhouse like City, reflects his desire to contribute to the club’s revival.
Foden, though frustrated, made it clear that his friendship with Branthwaite remains intact. “I respect his decision,” Foden said, adding that he hopes Branthwaite “knows what he’s getting into.” It’s a subtle nod to the ongoing turbulence at United, where expectations are high but recent results have been underwhelming. Foden’s words underline the personal element of modern football transfers, where loyalty, friendships, and professional ambitions often collide.
As Branthwaite settles into life at Manchester United, all eyes will be on how his career develops at Old Trafford. Will he be able to withstand the pressure and help rejuvenate the squad, or will the weight of expectation prove too much for the young defender? Meanwhile, Foden will continue to focus on his own career at Manchester City, where the trophies keep coming, and the bar for success is ever-rising.
For City fans, the disappointment of missing out on Branthwaite will likely be short-lived, given their club’s ability to attract top talent from across the globe. But for Foden, the sting of seeing a close friend choose a rival remains. As City continue to dominate on the pitch, Foden may well hold out hope that one day Branthwaite might reconsider his decision and make the move to the Etihad. Until then, the rivalry between the two clubs—and their players—will
only intensify.