Man City coach Pep Guardiola names ONE player Ruben Amorim must axed before he could succeed at Old Trafford
Pep Guardiola has reportedly delivered a pointed message to Manchester United managerial target Ruben Amorim, urging him to distance himself from a player the City boss believes was central to Erik ten Hag’s downfall. Known for his usually restrained comments about rival clubs, Guardiola is said to have broken that silence in a private conversation, warning that history could repeat itself at Old Trafford if Amorim doesn’t take swift and decisive action.
According to those close to the situation, Guardiola made it clear that one individual had a corrosive effect on Ten Hag’s efforts to impose order and build a cohesive team. Without directly naming names, insiders strongly suggest he was referring to United captain Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder’s influence within the squad has long sparked debate, and Guardiola reportedly believes his presence could once again undermine the foundations of a new managerial era.
Though Guardiola respects Amorim’s coaching pedigree and competitive spirit—having clashed with him during European encounters with Sporting CP—he has warned that ignoring this particular issue could spell disaster. He allegedly said that while Bruno is technically gifted, his behavior on the pitch and in the dressing room could erode discipline and unity, two things Amorim values deeply.
Those familiar with the situation claim Guardiola told Amorim that the United captain’s constant protests, confrontations with teammates, and apparent disregard for tactical structure contributed heavily to Ten Hag’s failure. Guardiola believes Amorim must make a bold move early—remove the disruptive influence before it unravels another regime.
Amorim, known for making tough decisions to uphold squad harmony at Sporting, now faces a similar challenge on a much bigger stage. His managerial approach is built on cohesion, hard pressing, and a shared identity. At Sporting, he didn’t hesitate to sideline prominent players who didn’t align with his vision, and that approach brought trophies and renewed belief to the club.
Now, with the spotlight intensifying at Old Trafford, fans and pundits are watching closely. Supporters remain divided over Fernandes: while many admire his passion and technical skill, others see his leadership style as problematic. Guardiola’s warning has only added fuel to that debate.
As Amorim prepares for his first steps in one of football’s most demanding jobs, he may have to make a defining choice right from the start. Guardiola’s parting words reportedly framed it as a crucial crossroads: choose lasting success by making a hard call now—or risk letting short-term comfort derail long-term goals.
Whether Amorim acts on the advice remains to be seen, but if he does, it could trigger one of the most dramatic shakeups Manchester United has seen in years.
