Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back after his team’s tough 4-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon, led by none other than Manchester United’s incoming coach, Ruben Amorim.
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With City recently on a three-game losing streak, Guardiola’s post-match comments aimed a pointed reminder at United, who remain absent from this season’s Champions League.
Sporting’s stunning win marked Amorim’s final home game with the club before officially joining Manchester United on November 11.
The 39-year-old coach has sparked high hopes among United fans, who are eager for his arrival following the club’s rough start in the Premier League, where they currently sit 13th.
Amorim is set to face Guardiola again in the season’s first Manchester derby at the Etihad on December 15, with their rivalry primed for an intense showdown.
Guardiola acknowledged Amorim’s coaching talent but couldn’t resist highlighting United’s ongoing struggles.
“We’ll meet twice in the Premier League, maybe in the FA Cup—but not in the Champions League,” Guardiola pointed out during his press conference.
“I learn from all managers I face, including Ruben. But right now, my priority is getting us back to our best.”
With United’s eighth-place finish last season, the club’s spot in Europe’s elite competition is out of reach.
Thanks to their FA Cup win over City, however, they secured a Europa League place, with Ruud van Nistelrooy managing the squad for their Thursday night matchup against PAOK.
Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford couldn’t be better timed for a club in need of strong leadership, and his recent success against City is a promising sign for United’s future—though Guardiola’s remarks make it clear that the rivalry between Manchester’s top clubs is heating up once again