"Literally kryptonite right now", "Has no business starting" - Manchester City fans unhappy with star's inclusion in XI for UCL clash

Manchester City fans are unhappy with star defender Kyle Walker's inclusion in their lineup to face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League away on Wednesday. Fans believe that the Englishman had 'no business' starting the game, calling him the side's 'kryptonite'.

Widely considered to be one of the best right-backs in the world for a major part of his career, Walker has recently come under fire for his sub-par performances. Despite being renowned for his explosive pace and attacking quality, he has yet to make an offensive contribution in his 13 appearances this season.

Some City fans on X were disappointed upon seeing that he was named in manager Pep Guardiola's starting lineup to take on the Bianconeri. @KetoFlare wrote:

"Walker is literally kryptonite right now."

@_iamoriel wrote:

"Walker has no business starting, but okay. That man is old and his legs are failing him."

Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):

"What in the world is walker doing here again," @tambwaliguy wrote.

"What did Kyle Walker give Pep that he always starts even after dropping stinkers every game," @acepangani questioned.

"WALKER STARTING NOOOOO," @MCFC__DK exclaimed.

"YOUR STILL CAPTAINING KYLE WALKER ITS 2025 SOON," @rubenstruly wrote.

"Walker In the starting line up. Another loss incoming," @KThefirstone predicted.

"Another Walker disasterclass," @CHEKWA999 wrote.

"Walker starting? Yeah we'll be lucky to get 1 point," @Brando_93_ claimed.

"Walker starting again I feel sick already," @Mahjoreen wrote.

At the moment, Manchester City sit 20th in the UCL standings with eight points in five games (two wins, two draws, one loss).

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Manchester City considering move for £25 million-rated defender amid Kyle Walker's uncertain future - Reports

According to reports from Football365, Manchester City are interested in replacing star defender Kyle Walker with rising Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso.

Cambiaso moved to Turin from boyhood club Genoa for a reported €13.3 million in the summer of 2022. After a year-long loan at Bologna, he established himself as a regular starter for Juve in the 2023-24 campaign.

He has five goals and eight assists in 59 appearances for Juventus across all competitions. He is known for his incredible versatility, having already played and excelled as a full-back and wide midfielder on both flanks.

Juventus recently inked him to a contract until 2029, giving them the upper hand in terms of negotiations. His market value of £25 million (via Transfermarkt) is well within Manchester City's reach, and they are reportedly 'moving ahead’ in their pursuit of his services.

A report in Spain has suggested that Walker ‘seems to be living out his final months with Manchester City, which has forced them to look for a replacement who can meet Guardiola’s demands’.

Cambiaso is believed to be the first name on Pep Guardiola's transfer wishlist. The Spaniard will have a chance to analyze the Italian's game first-hand when his side take on Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.