Phil Foden has stressed the importance and magnitude of beating rivals Manchester United after the 3-1 Premier League victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Marcus Rashford blasted the visitors ahead after eight minutes against the run of play, before Foden arrowed us level ten minutes after the interval.

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The Academy graduate then slotted us ahead after 80 minutes, claiming his 11th league goal of the campaign, before Erling Haaland secured the points in stoppage time with a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Foden, who has risen through the ranks at City and is a boyhood fan, declared the importance of beating United for himself and for all the club’s fans.

“I understand what it means for the fans in the derby at the Etihad. It means everything. 

“To score as well is even better but it was about the win today.

“That’s my aim. To turn up in the big games, that’s what I want to do and I think this season I’m proving that by putting performances like that in. So yeah I’ll keep working hard.”

Foden was named Player of the Match after scoring twice, having 116 touches of the ball and completing 83 total passes in a majestic and electric display.

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The 23-year-old praised the tactical thinking of Pep Guardiola following the game, giving the boss credit for the go-ahead goal with ten minutes left to play.

“Yeah the manager said switch sides with Bernardo,” he said.

“I switched and not long after I managed to score the second goal.

“The manager knows best and I listened to him and it paid off in the end.”

The victory now takes us within one point of league-leaders Liverpool, who we face at Anfield next weekend.