Juanma Lillo explains why Phil Foden didn't start for Man City vs Sheffield United

Phil Foden wasn't well enough to play the full game for Manchester City against Sheffield United, assistant manager Juanma Lillo has confirmed.

City dominated most of the game in south Yorkshire, with Erling Haaland's second-half goal putting them ahead after his missed penalty before the break. As they pushed for a second, Sheffield United levelled thanks to Jayden Bogle, setting up a nervy finish that looked headed for a draw. However Rodri's rocket earned three points in Pep Guardiola's absence.

Foden was introduced immediately after the Blades' equaliser, and instantly created a chance for Julian Alvarez before being involved in Rodri's winner coming in from the right.

Fans and pundits have called for Foden to get more time in the number ten role after impressing last week against Newcastle, with Lillo confirming that he was not risked from the start a week on in south Yorkshire.

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Lillo confirmed: "Phil had some problems with his stomach, he wasn’t feeling in the best condition.

"We have such a good squad and could see he wasn’t feeling very well and we were able to use that squad. It would have been easy for Phil to play but it was never in question because he wasn’t feeling well."

Lillo also gave his assessment of the win, describing it as tough and praising Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva in the number ten role in Foden's absence.

"Generally I thought we played really well today. It was a lot closer to what we wanted than the scoreline suggested," he said. "In the first half it was really hard to find that space in behind. The penalty could have changed everything had that gone in. We saw the team were very stable and constantly looking towards