"Why is he there", "Pep is too arrogant" - Fans unhappy with Manchester City star's inclusion in XI for Manchester United clash

Fans have expressed their dismay at defender Kyle Walker's inclusion in the starting lineup for Manchester City's all-important Premier League clash against Manchester United. Supporters labelled manager Pep Guardiola as "arrogant" for sticking with the Englishman, claiming that he'll "never learn" from his errors.

Walker has been a shadow of himself in the 2024-25 campaign, with multiple error-strewn games and a significant reduction in his trademark explosive pace. He is yet to provide a goal contribution and has made several errors leading to goals in his 14 appearances across all competitions this season.

The full-back's inconsistent displays have left fans exasperated, with many calling for him to be dropped from Manchester City's starting lineup. @Tumi043 wrote:

"Wtf, why is Kyle Walker there?"

@AhonsiAugustin6 wrote:

"Walker starts? .... Lmao Pep is too arrogant and Probably Walker will be the end of him."

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

"Aaiii Walker, We are definitely losing again," @Cvvee_ claimed.

"Argh Walker again," @theodasss_ wrote.

"When will Walker reign end in this club? I’m tired," @arybeeh claimed.

"STOP STARTING WALKER," @wunnaworld wrote.

"Walker starts again, yeah I ain't watching," @sk_citeh asserted.

"KYLE WALKER AS CAPTAIN OMDS U NEVER LEARN," @rodristruly sighed.

"Walker is starting yeah we're losing," @iximmiv wrote.

"I'm sorry but walker needs to get back on the bench.... he's not in form..." @unclesuruu_ claimed.

Manchester City are set to host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in a mouthwatering Premier League derby on Sunday, December 15.

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"We've been doing it for over a month" - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on fixture congestion ahead of Manchester United clash

Ahead of the clash against Manchester United, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has blamed fixture congestion for his side's poor run of performances.

With no significant reinforcements signed in the summer and key injuries to important first-team players, City hit a stumbling block towards the end of October 2024. Guardiola's side have won just one and lost seven of their last ten games across all competitions, raising questions about his future at the Etihad.

Guardiola attributed the dip in form to the jam-packed fixture list, claiming that the management of players within the current schedule is "impossible". Speaking to Sky Sports, he said (via Yahoo):

"You can survive for a few games but we've been doing it for over a month with players with a lot of minutes in their legs. It's not because they don't want it – it is because of the calendar, the schedule. We will go to play in the Club World Cup in Orlando next summer and then we have to start the Premier League three weeks later. It's impossible."

"The Premier League defend their business so I defend mine. My business is my players. My success is my players and I want to protect them. These players have done something no other team in this country has done and these players would have done it again were it not for the schedule," Guardiola said.

Manchester City currently sit on 27 points after 15 games (eight wins, three draws, four losses), placing them fifth on the Premier League table with a game in hand on fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.