Rio Ferdinand believes Phil Foden should part ways with Manchester City

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Phil Foden should consider a fresh challenge away from Manchester City in order to secure regular playing time. The England youth international has managed nine appearances in the Premier League this term, but each of those have come from the substitutes’ bench.

Speaking to Talk SPORT, Ferdinand said that Foden has a bright future in front of him, although he may have to leave the Citizens to realise the same. He added to give the example of compatriot Jadon Sancho, who has transformed into one of the best young talents in the world amid his impressive showingat Borussia Dortmund.

He said: “He’s got great potential, but at the end of the day he needs game time. He’s not going to get that at Manchester City. Jadon Sancho didn’t, so that’s why he left. He demanded regular football and decided to go to Borussia Dortmund. “To be fair he’s fully vindicated that decision – he’s a £100m+ player now.”

Foden has been utilised during the closing stages of matches where Pep Guardiola has required a replacement for the likes of David Silva. Aside from this, he has not been able to win the confidence over the manager for a starting role, and it remains to be seen whether he has the patience, considering he is just 18 years of age.

Meanwhile, Foden’s former Manchester City teammate Sancho has made good progress since the switch to Dortmund 20 months ago and he is now regarded as the one of the standout performers for the club. Moreover, he has already been touted for a probable return to the Premier League with Manchester United deemed to be considering a summer approach.

Nonetheless, the attacker won’t come on the cheap with reports suggesting that Dortmund could demand more than £100m for the summer sale. French champions Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the Englishman, though the youngster prioritises a potential return to his homeland.