Pep Guardiola has ignited a major storm in English football after reportedly delivering what many insiders are calling the most brutal assessment ever given by a Premier League manager — and the player at the center of his criticism is Manchester United’s expensive signing, **Joshua Zirkzee**.
According to leaked reports, Guardiola privately questioned United’s entire decision-making process regarding the Dutch forward. His alleged remarks were shockingly direct:
“Truthfully, I still can’t understand why United spent that kind of money. I don’t see the value. Even against relegation-threatened sides, he makes no impact.”
Sources say these words were aimed squarely at Zirkzee, whom Pep supposedly views as the most underwhelming United purchase since he arrived in England.
Guardiola was said to be stunned while watching United falter in matches against West Ham and other defensively disciplined sides. During internal discussions, he reportedly told his staff that Zirkzee — despite the sizeable transfer fee — “doesn’t stretch defences, doesn’t disrupt backlines, and doesn’t offer the presence expected from a modern No. 9.”
A member of City’s backroom team revealed that Pep couldn’t believe how little influence Zirkzee had in a match where United desperately needed attacking inspiration. His words were described as unusually harsh:
“He doesn’t change the rhythm of the game. He receives the ball and everything goes flat. For that kind of price, a striker should dominate moments, not disappear from them.”
Guardiola allegedly went on to say that Zirkzee’s performances “lack urgency, lack aggressiveness, and lack genuine threat,” even suggesting that United’s academy forwards show more desire than the big-money signing.
City staff were reportedly shocked by the raw intensity of Pep’s criticism. Yet he refused to soften his stance, insisting United made a serious miscalculation by anchoring their attack around a striker he believes was never built to lead the line.
The quote that has spread like wildfire online — “the worst signing I’ve seen since coming to this league” — has divided fans everywhere:
* Some United supporters reluctantly agree, claiming Zirkzee has failed to step up.
* Others see this as classic Guardiola mind-games.
* Neutrals are stunned by Pep’s unusually blunt tone.
Inside Old Trafford, tension is rising. Zirkzee is aware of the mounting criticism and is believed to be frustrated with his form. Coaches fear Pep’s remarks could further shake his already fragile confidence.
Guardiola reportedly summed up his view with one devastating line:
“When you spend that much on a striker, he should change games immediately. With him… nothing. No spark. No drive.”
The fallout is quickly becoming one of the season’s defining narratives — a moment that could either break Zirkzee or inspire him to defy the doubters.
