Pep Guardiola finally reveals the one Man United player that is making it difficult for Man united goalkeepers to keep clean sheets
Pep Guardiola has set tongues wagging across the football world after making a bold claim about Manchester United’s ongoing defensive problems. Following United’s recent clash with Brighton, the Manchester City boss reportedly concluded that André Onana — often singled out for criticism — is not the real issue behind the Red Devils’ leaky defense. Instead, Guardiola suggested that the true problem lies with one particular outfield player who continually leaves the goalkeeper exposed.
Guardiola, known for his sharp tactical insights, didn’t mince words in his reported analysis. “Watching that Brighton game, it became clear to me that Onana isn’t the problem,” he said. “There’s one player who keeps leaving huge gaps, breaking the team’s defensive shape, and making the keeper’s job impossible.”
Though Guardiola didn’t name the player, many fans and analysts quickly began speculating. Surprisingly, the finger didn’t point at Harry Maguire — the usual target of defensive criticism. Instead, speculation centered on one of United’s regular starters. Many suspect that the City manager’s comments were directed at Casemiro, whose form has noticeably dipped this season. The Brazilian, once a reliable defensive shield, has been caught out of position repeatedly, leaving his defenders vulnerable. Others believe the criticism could be aimed at Diogo Dalot, whose attacking runs often leave dangerous spaces for opponents to exploit — something Brighton took full advantage of.
United’s defensive frailty was once again evident, with Onana left helpless during key moments when his defenders switched off. Guardiola’s remarks echoed what several pundits have argued all season — that United’s problems start higher up the pitch. “A goalkeeper is only as strong as the players in front of him,” Pep explained. “If the midfield and full-backs lose shape, even the best keepers will struggle.”
His comments have reignited heated debates among fans, with many agreeing that Onana has been unfairly scapegoated. Despite some early mistakes, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has often been left stranded by poor organization and slow defensive transitions. Ruben Amorim’s attempts to tighten United’s backline have yielded little success, as the same issues persist: open spaces in midfield, untracked runners, and lapses in concentration.
Social media quickly exploded after Guardiola’s analysis went viral. Some fans demanded that the “culprit” be benched immediately, while others argued that Amorim’s tactical setup is to blame rather than any single player.
Whether Guardiola’s comments were meant as honest tactical critique or subtle mind games ahead of the next Manchester derby, one thing is certain — Manchester United’s defensive struggles run far deeper than Onana. If Pep’s assessment proves accurate, the club may have to make some difficult choices about who truly deserves a place in that starting lineup before the problems become irreparable.
