He doubled his and City’s tally with 10 minutes of time remaining, burying a low shot beyond United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Erling Haaland made sure of the points in stoppage time, scoring his third goal against United this season.

Foden is now up to 18 goals in all competitions this season, meaning he has already scored more times this term than he had in any other. His stature has grown as the campaign has unfolded, resulting in Walker highlighting his importance as well as revealing his nickname.

Walker, speaking to Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the game, said: “We call him ‘The Sniper’ because he likes to shoot. He likes his shots, so you know when he comes in on that left foot he has got the quality, the calmness and composure to pick his spot. I thought he took the goal fantastically well.”

Foden celebrated his opener by pretending to point a rifle, admitting: “Yes, that’s the celebration.”

On Foden’s second goal, Walker continued: “The second [goal], coming off the left-hand side, you don’t really know or see Phil in that position, but for him to find the corner as he has done, I feel that just shows his flexibility of where he can be on both sides. He has also been trusted down the middle this year, which I think is a big part of the responsibility that he has taken on from the team. We lean on him and we need important players like him as they go and win you games.”

On Foden’s nickname, Walker continued: “He has been shooting ever since I turned up here in 2017! He loves a shot. He practices, he puts the work in, he is always doing extra shooting. His goals are coming, he is reaping the rewards and he needs to keep these standards up.”