Guardiola is openly questioning Man United’s decision to sideline a player who’s proven he’s one of their best

Old Trafford was crackling with tension on Sunday evening, but it wasn’t the scoreline or on-field drama that stole the headlines — it was Pep Guardiola’s post-match comments that truly set the football world alight. After witnessing a standout performance from a Manchester United player — someone inexplicably left out of the starting lineup for weeks — the Manchester City boss couldn’t hold back his thoughts any longer.

In an unusually bold moment, Guardiola addressed the press with a statement that sent shockwaves across the city. “After watching him today, I don’t get why he’s been sitting on the bench. If United don’t want him, let him come to Man City — we’ll show you what he can really do.”

While speculation immediately spread about the player’s identity, Guardiola was clear on who it wasn’t, dismissing names like Harry Amass and Obi. United supporters instantly knew who he meant, as debates over this player’s absence have dominated fan forums and social media for weeks. Despite consistently impressing during his brief appearances, he’s struggled to earn a regular place under new manager Rúben Amorim.

The player’s second-half cameo on Sunday only fueled the conversation. Coming off the bench, he injected pace, composure, and creativity into a United team that had looked uninspired until that point. His sharp passing, confident movement, and near-goal — a thunderous long-range strike that rattled the crossbar — turned him into the evening’s standout, even without a full 90 minutes.

This isn’t the first time his performances have sparked such conversations. Many believed that Amorim, with his reputation for promoting young, dynamic talent during his time at Sporting CP, would have been quick to trust him. Yet for reasons not entirely clear, Amorim appears to be taking a conservative approach, choosing to gradually introduce certain players into his system. While the manager might see it as cautious planning, fans — and now Guardiola — see it as a wasted opportunity.

Guardiola’s comments have only intensified the pressure on United’s coaching staff. Never before has the City boss so openly admired a rival’s player, much less publicly suggested signing him. “He plays with intelligence, rhythm, and joy. That’s what we value at City. If they can’t see it, we’ll take him,” Guardiola remarked.

The reaction online was immediate. United fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) in frustration over the continued benching, while City supporters cheekily shared photoshopped images of the player in City blue. Pundits didn’t stay silent either, with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright weighing in. Wright bluntly commented that if Guardiola’s openly calling for a United player, then something’s seriously off in the red half of Manchester.

Who exactly Guardiola was referring to remains unconfirmed, but fans have their suspicions. Names like Hannibal Mejbri, Amad Diallo, and Shola Shoretire top the list, with Hannibal and Amad standing out based on the midfielder’s composure and that crossbar-rattling strike.

What makes the situation even more intriguing is how it reflects on Amorim’s tenure so far. He arrived with a reputation for developing young stars, yet here he is seemingly sidelining the very type of player he was expected to nurture. Now, with Guardiola’s comments echoing around Old Trafford and fan outrage growing, Amorim might be forced to rethink his selections.

Losing a young talent to a rival, only to see him thrive across town, would be a nightmare scenario for United supporters. And if history’s any guide, Guardiola’s remarks aren’t just a compliment — they’re a strategic provocation. The only question now is whether Amorim will respond before it’s too late.