Kyle Walker reveals his six-word message to Manchester City teammates at half-time of United win

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has revealed the message he gave to his teammates at half-time of their eventual 3-1 win over Manchester United.

Marcus Rashford had initially put Erik ten Hag’s side into a somewhat shock lead inside 10 minutes at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, smashing home an effort from 30 yards off the underside of Ederson’s crossbar.

While Manchester City could not draw the game level in the same period of play, a second-half fightback inspired by Phil Foden saw the reigning Premier League champions ultimately come out as 3-1 victors, with the Englishman bagging himself a brace.

While Pep Guardiola may ultimately get the plaudits for his efforts in changing around Manchester City’s fortunes during the half-time interval, one man within the playing squad has revealed his input into the debrief at the Etihad.

Speaking to broadcasters after the win over Manchester United, Kyle Walker has revealed the clear message he gave to his teammates inside the dressing room at half-time, with the champions trailing 0-1 at the time in the contest.

“I don’t think we played badly,” Walker admitted. “I said in the dressing room at half time that it was not a bad performance. Sometimes you take your hats off to goals like that. Marcus has hit a goal that has gone off the crossbar and into the net.”

Walker continued, “Do I like conceding goals? No I don’t. Sometimes things happen in football. Now it was about the reaction from the lads. Us as leaders need to pick people up and not get too down.

“We know many games, especially here, it’s not over until it’s over and we’ll keep going until the end. Luckily, Foden came up with the equaliser relatively early on and then it’s just a matter of time until the second one comes if you keep the pressure on.”

Walker’s time as Manchester City captain has come under some scrutiny this season, both as a result of on-field and off-the-field performances and issues, however his output against United on Sunday was nothing short of exceptional.

Defensively sound and offering stability on the ball when building attacking movements, Kyle Walker showed clear signs of his former self, and proved exactly why his teammates look towards him as their leader with the armband.