Pep Guardiola has once again turned up the heat in Manchester’s fierce football rivalry by taking aim at Manchester United’s record summer signing. The Manchester City boss launched a stinging critique of the £77 million player, branding him a complete “waste of money” and even suggesting his presence could drag United into a relegation fight if things don’t improve soon.
Fresh from guiding City to another impressive victory, Guardiola didn’t bother to sugarcoat his thoughts. In a post-match interview, he declared bluntly: *“He’s just a waste of money. Manchester United will never enjoy him. Quote me wrong anywhere. If care is not taken, this one player could be the reason they struggle this season, even to the point of relegation.”* His words immediately sent shockwaves across the football world, sparking headlines and heated debates among fans, pundits, and former players alike.
United’s hierarchy had placed great faith in their summer investment, hoping the big-money arrival would spearhead a revival at Old Trafford. Instead, the player has endured a rough start to life in the Premier League. His outings so far have been marked by lacklustre performances, wasteful finishing, and difficulty coping with the intensity of English football. Supporters, who were eager to see him transform United’s attack, have instead been left frustrated by his sluggish displays. The underwhelming start has raised serious questions about whether the club rushed into the deal in desperation to plug deeper holes in the squad.
Guardiola’s remarks appear to be far more than casual banter between city rivals. By directly criticising United’s most expensive signing of the summer, he has cast a shadow over the club’s entire recruitment strategy. His suggestion that one marquee addition could actually destabilise the squad has added another layer of pressure on Erik ten Hag, who is already under scrutiny for his management of the team. For a club of United’s stature, even being mentioned in connection with relegation is almost unthinkable, yet Guardiola’s comments have forced supporters and critics alike to confront that uncomfortable idea.
Among United fans, reactions are deeply divided. A vocal section of supporters have sided with Guardiola, arguing that the player has yet to prove he is worth anything close to his hefty price tag. They claim he slows down United’s forward play and has not added the spark they were promised. On the other hand, others believe it is unfair to dismiss him so soon, reminding critics that many foreign players take months—sometimes even seasons—to fully adjust to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, rival fans have wasted no time in using Guardiola’s remarks as ammunition to mock United on social media. Memes and posts ridiculing the transfer have flooded online platforms, while United’s own supporters are demanding accountability from the board and a clearer vision from their manager.
For the £77 million man himself, the situation has never been more intense. With Guardiola’s brutal assessment echoing across the league, every touch of the ball will now be judged under an unforgiving spotlight. His future at Old Trafford may very well depend on how quickly he can silence his critics and prove that he is more than the “waste of money” Pep Guardiola claims him to be.
