Fans come up with conspiracy theory as to why Phil Foden isn't starting for Man City this season

Manchester City fans have come up with a theory as to why Phil Foden isn't starting this season.

Foden enjoyed a scintillating campaign last season, scoring an impressive 27 goals across all competitions.

He won several individual awards off the back of the best season of his career, including the Premier League Player of the Season award.

However, Foden has played a bit-part role this season as he has yet to start a league match, making just three league appearances.

And he once again found himself on the bench for Man City's game at Newcastle United, which ended 1-1.

But the 24-year-old came off the bench and made an impression in the attacking areas.

Pep Guardiola instructs Phil Foden before he enters the fray. Image: Getty

Fans on social media, though, are convinced something has happened between Pep Guardiola and Foden.

One X user wrote: "There is something going on between Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola that we don’t know about. From winning Premier League Player of the Year to rotting on the City bench."

A second tweeted: "Pep Guardiola has to swallow his pride and START Phil Foden from now on. What a cameo. He’s been directly involved in 2 big chances now."

A third added: "There is genuinely zero reason to ever play Gundo over Foden in the 10 ever again, we looked 10x more aggressive and dangerous in the final third as soon as the sub was made, sick of the over intellectualised BS, play your best players in their best positions."

A fourth said: "The fact that Foden is on the bench for Gundogan is abysmal."

Another commented: "If Foden did what Gundo did Pep would exile him to the wings for the rest of the season."

Guardiola has preferred the likes of Jack Grealish, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of Foden this season.

The Blues won their opening four league games but have dropped points in their last two fixtures, drawing against Arsenal and Newcastle.