Pep Guardiola has stirred major controversy at Old Trafford after his post-match remarks aimed at Manchester United’s handling of Bruno Fernandes. Following Manchester City’s commanding 3-0 victory in the derby, Guardiola openly praised Fernandes’ quality but delivered a damning verdict on how the Portuguese playmaker has been used by United manager Ruben Amorim.
Guardiola was blunt in his assessment. He acknowledged Fernandes as a footballer of the highest calibre but suggested that his talent is being squandered under Amorim’s system. “He’s a phenomenal player with world-class ability, but unfortunately, Ruben Amorim doesn’t know how to unlock his full potential. If I had him here at City, he’d already be driving us towards another title,” the Spaniard commented.
These words have cut deep among United supporters, who have grown increasingly disillusioned with both results and performances. Fernandes, once the heartbeat of the team and a relentless creative force, now appears to be a shadow of himself. Instead of orchestrating attacks with freedom, he has been repositioned, tasked with defensive duties, and restricted in ways that stifle his natural game. The result has been a visible decline in his influence, with United looking blunt in attack and Fernandes often left frustrated.
For fans, Guardiola’s hypothetical scenario paints an infuriating picture. Imagining Fernandes operating at City—linking seamlessly with Kevin De Bruyne and providing supply for Erling Haaland—only magnifies the sense of waste. In Guardiola’s fluid, attacking style, Fernandes could have flourished as the dynamic connector between midfield and attack. By contrast, Amorim’s rigid approach has left him appearing unsettled, subdued, and far less effective than in previous seasons.
The frustration isn’t limited to the terraces. Pundits and analysts have also weighed in, accusing Amorim of failing to utilise Fernandes in a role suited to his strengths. They argue that United’s captain thrives when given the licence to roam, create, and dictate the tempo, rather than being shackled with responsibilities that nullify his creativity. Fernandes’ body language on the pitch—animated gestures, visible irritation, and confrontations with teammates—only reinforces the narrative of a player at odds with his current role.
Guardiola’s intervention has now shone an even brighter spotlight on Amorim’s management. When one of the most respected tacticians in football openly declares that your best player is being misused, it intensifies the scrutiny. For United, this is no longer simply about underwhelming tactics or poor form—it raises the critical question of whether Amorim is the right man to get the best out of their most influential figure.
In the aftermath of Guardiola’s remarks, United find themselves not only battling results on the pitch but also facing uncomfortable truths off it. Fernandes’ talent is undisputed, but if the manager cannot harness it effectively, the consequences could stretch far beyond one player’s frustration.
