Pep Guardiola has faced five different Manchester United managers over the last nine years, with a total of 13 wins in Manchester derby encounters during that period. The list of United managers who have gone head-to-head with Guardiola includes José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and most recently, Ruben Amorim. While Guardiola has enjoyed significant success against the Red Devils overall, those five managers have still managed to secure eight victories over Manchester City combined.
Among those, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had the most notable impact, claiming four of United’s derby wins during his tenure. He had a particular knack for outwitting Guardiola, especially during the 2019/2020 Premier League season, when his United side delivered memorable wins both at home and away against City. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag may take pride in his FA Cup final victory over City, which many fans and pundits view as one of the most significant derby triumphs in recent years.
The latest addition to this list, Ruben Amorim, has made an immediate impression. Appointed as United boss in November, he became the first manager in the club’s history to win his debut Manchester derby against a Guardiola-led City side. That December clash saw United clinch a dramatic comeback victory at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to young winger Amad. In the dying moments of the game, Amad won a late penalty in the 88th minute and converted it just minutes later, securing a sensational and unexpected victory for the Red Devils.
Guardiola’s reaction was characteristically reflective. He criticized his own team’s lack of composure and admitted the performance was far from ideal. Interestingly, when Guardiola offers praise to his coaching counterparts, it sometimes carries a hint of sarcasm. When Amorim was appointed, the City boss described him as “much better” than himself—a comment that may not have been entirely literal, though it was delivered respectfully.
Looking at their head-to-head record, Amorim has actually fared better than most against Guardiola. In four meetings between them—three with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and one with Manchester United—he has won twice, drawn once, and lost once. Although Sporting suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to City in early 2022, they managed a goalless draw in the second leg. Then, in November 2024, Amorim led Sporting to a stunning 4-1 victory over City, just before taking charge at Old Trafford.
With another derby approaching at Old Trafford, Amorim will be aiming to secure a league double over Guardiola’s City—a rare feat. For Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, Amorim’s growing success poses a unique challenge. It’s uncommon for the Spaniard to have a losing record against any manager, and he’ll no doubt be eager to set the record straight.
