Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Wayne Rooney Concerned for Phil Foden After ‘Charity Treatment’ Claim

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 4:53 PM ET

Wayne Rooney has expressed concern over Manchester City's Phil Foden's current situation, citing the minutes he had in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney pointed out that Foden coming on in the 90th minute in the Carabao Cup final felt like a "charity sub."

"I felt sad for him, but not sad because he's coming to the Cup final. And then obviously I was at the game, the game last week as well, where he didn't even get on the pitch," Rooney said.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his side's third goal with team-mate Phil Foden during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham at Etihad Stadium on February 11, 2026, in Manchester, England.Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

"And then to see him just coming on like that at the end, like that was, for instance, Max Downward coming on, you're thinking he's 16 coming on in the cup final, good experience, whatever the result."

"But to see Phil Foden, it was almost like a charity sub to get him on the pitch, you know? I felt for him. I don't know what's happened because he's a top player."

View this post on Instagram

The Manchester United legend hinted that something might be happening internally at the Citizens club, as he cannot explain how a player of Foden's quality is not a regular in Pep Guardiola's lineup.

"I've spoken many times about my admiration for him, how he plays, and it just feels strange that he can't get anywhere near the team. And it feels like something's gone on there."

Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup final on March 22 with a brace from Nico O'Reilly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: