Pep Guardiola named the One Man United player that Amorim needs to bench against Ath bibao if He wants to win the Europa League
In the lead-up to one of the most eagerly awaited Europa League semi-final encounters in recent memory, a surprising claim has made waves in the football world — allegedly involving Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Sporting CP’s manager, Ruben Amorim. While expressing his admiration for Amorim’s managerial rise, Guardiola was reportedly quoted warning him about a potential weakness in his lineup that could prove costly against Athletic Bilbao.
The supposed comments suggested that if Sporting hopes to reach the final, Amorim would need to leave one particular player out of his starting eleven. To the shock of many, it wasn’t a struggling defender or an underperforming goalkeeper. The name linked to this advice was Mason Mount, the high-profile summer signing from Chelsea who is currently on loan at Sporting. Mount made the switch to Portugal in search of consistent game time and a chance to rediscover his best form on the European stage.
Although Mount has shown flashes of his ability under Amorim, critics have pointed out that he occasionally struggles to adapt to the tactical demands of the team, particularly against sides that play with intensity and relentless pressing, such as Athletic Bilbao. Guardiola, it was claimed, warned that Mount’s inclusion could leave Sporting vulnerable in midfield, where discipline and defensive awareness will be vital against a team known for exploiting any weaknesses.
The rumor gained even more attention after Guardiola was said to have compared this to advice he once gave Mikel Arteta, which reportedly helped Arsenal edge past Real Madrid by opting for a more defensively solid midfielder. This latest claim has fueled ongoing debates about Mount’s suitability for big European nights and whether he consistently delivers the level of performance required in high-stakes situations.
However, as speculation spread across social media and fan forums, it became clear that no credible source had verified Guardiola’s involvement in any such conversation with Amorim. No official quotes or reputable reports supported the claim, casting serious doubt over the narrative.
In truth, Mount continues to be an important figure for Manchester United and remains a player admired by Amorim. Despite some injury setbacks earlier in the season, the Sporting boss has voiced his confidence in Mount’s abilities and his role within the team’s tactical framework. Amorim has carefully rotated his squad in domestic matches to ensure his key players, including Mount, stay fresh for pivotal European fixtures.
As the first leg of the semi-final approaches, Amorim faces tough decisions on how best to set up against a dynamic Athletic Bilbao side led by the dangerous Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet. While opinions differ on whether Mount should start, the claim about Guardiola’s supposed advice remains unconfirmed and speculative at best.
What’s certain is that all eyes will be on Amorim’s line-up when the whistle blows, with the football world eager to see how he handles the challenge — and whether Mason Mount will be central to Sporting’s quest for European glory.
