Pep Guardiola has thrown a fresh spark into the ongoing drama at Old Trafford with a bombshell statement that has left Manchester United fans both stunned and divided. The Manchester City boss openly declared that a single player within the United squad was responsible for the downfall of Erik ten Hag—and, more worryingly, he believes that the same individual is now poised to undermine Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese coach has even had the chance to firmly establish his reign.
Speaking with brutal candour, Guardiola insisted that United’s troubles are not simply the result of flawed tactics or managerial shortcomings. Instead, he argued that as long as this problematic player continues to wield influence in the dressing room, no coach—no matter how brilliant or tactically astute—will succeed at Old Trafford. “He got Erik ten Hag sacked, and now he’s trying to do the same with Amorim,” Guardiola warned, sending shockwaves through the football community and sparking endless debate among pundits and supporters worldwide.
Interestingly, Guardiola showed a rare moment of humility, admitting that Amorim has outclassed him tactically in the past, back when both men were operating in Portuguese football. Despite being fierce rivals in Manchester, Guardiola insisted he does not wish to see Amorim fail. Rather, he emphasized that the true battle Amorim faces in England has little to do with formations, new signings, or tactical reshuffles. According to Guardiola, the real challenge is finding the courage to cut ties with the disruptive figure who, in his view, continues to poison United’s progress.
Some reports even claim Guardiola has privately spoken to Amorim, offering a blunt piece of advice: “I know he beat me many times, but I don’t want him to fail. I told him he must get rid of that player, otherwise history will repeat itself.”
Unsurprisingly, Guardiola’s explosive revelation has triggered a storm of speculation. Many fans and journalists immediately pointed the finger at Bruno Fernandes, whose temperament, constant arguments with referees, and occasional clashes with teammates have long divided opinion. Others suggest Jadon Sancho fits the bill, given his well-documented fallout with Ten Hag and questions about his attitude. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford’s name has also surfaced, with critics accusing him of inconsistency and of contributing to unrest within the squad.
United supporters remain split on whether Guardiola is merely playing mind games ahead of the upcoming Manchester Derby, or whether he has exposed a painful truth about deep-rooted problems at the club. Regardless of motive, the effect is undeniable: Ruben Amorim now finds himself under even greater scrutiny. Already burdened with the task of reviving a struggling side, he must now decide whether to heed Guardiola’s warning and move on from the alleged saboteur—or risk falling into the same trap that cost his predecessor his job.
One thing is certain: all eyes are on Old Trafford. The coming weeks will reveal whether Amorim has the steel to rise above the chaos, or if Guardiola’s dark prediction proves accurate and United’s cycle of failure continues.
