Guardiola, who did not play Abdukodir Khusanov, got angry at the fans!

Irreplaceable Khusanov — why isn’t he playing?

One of the most anticipated matches in the English Premier League — the Manchester Derby — brought another name into the spotlight: Abdukodir Khusanov. However, the 21-year-old central defender remained on the bench for Manchester City for the second game in a row.

In the previous round, the Uzbek legionnaire wasn’t even included in the matchday squad against Leicester. This time, he was again left out of the starting XI in the match against Manchester United.

Guardiola’s decision sparked fan outrage

Known for his unique style and often unpredictable decisions, Pep Guardiola once again became the subject of heated debate. Manchester City fans from across the globe took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Khusanov being left out.

Jacob Muriungi:
"Khusanov should’ve started the game. He’s reliable and a very solid defender!"

Base Camara:
"What did Khusanov do to Pep? Playing Nunes while Abdukodir is available is a crime!"

Tafadzwa Chigogo:
"We need Khusanov in the backline — he knows how to position himself."

Kennedy Jeremiah Mwansa:
"Doku, Nico, Reiss, Savinho, Khusanov and McAtee must start. Let Bernardo, Gündoğan, De Bruyne, Foden, and Nunes come on later. We couldn’t even beat a 13th-placed team!"

Itz Successful:
"Abdukodir is in top form. He should’ve played. We lost with Nunes on the pitch."

Sphetho Myeni:
"Is Pep trying to avoid the Champions League next season? This lineup keeps dropping points."

Rosalanavho Mutenda:
"Not playing Khusanov in key matches like this? That’s a mistake. Even 4th place could slip away."

Martin:
"When we desperately need a win, Savinho and Khusanov are benched — strange call."

Amën De Ketelaere:
"Khusanov is a starting XI player. No doubt."

Tsitsi Chikungwa:
"Is he benched because of a yellow card? I don’t get it."

Kanema Shamboko:
"Khusanov, Nico, Doku, Grealish — all should start! Pep should bench himself."

G-WIZZY:
"Why is Khusanov suddenly not in the starting XI?"

Marwan Sameh:
"Bravo, Pep… Doku and Khusanov are just sitting on the bench..."

Rex Chalumbwa:
"Nunes again? While Khusanov is in perfect form?!"

Michael Oyewumi:
"Pep never changes. Nunes starts, Khusanov benched. Makes no sense."

Wisdom Simonz:
"We need Khusanov and Nico from the first minute! This is football, not a science project!"

Atul Gupta:
"What kind of circus is this? Khusanov, Doku, Savinho all benched. Defense handed to Nunes and O’Reilly. Just congratulate the opponents already..."

Austine Munkanta:
"Pep’s a real joker! He left Savinho, Doku, and Khusanov out."

Richard Woodward:
"The starting XI must always include Doku, Savinho, Nico, and Khusanov!"

Abdukodir Khusanov, who was named February's best player, is still sitting on the bench. This isn’t just a missed appearance — it’s affecting the entire balance of Manchester City’s game. While Guardiola remains firm in his decision, pressure from fans is mounting. Isn’t it time he listened? Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”