“I’ve Finally Figured It Out — Onana Was Never The Problem!” Pep Guardiola Exposes the ONE Manchester United Player Ruining the Team’s Defense — and It’s NOT Harry Maguire!
BREAKING NEWS: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dropped a bombshell after closely analyzing Manchester United’s latest performance against Brighton. In a brutally honest assessment, Guardiola claimed that André Onana — often blamed for United’s defensive chaos — has been unfairly criticized. Instead, he pointed fingers at one specific outfield player whom he believes is the real reason United’s goalkeepers struggle to keep clean sheets week after week.
According to Guardiola, the problem lies deeper than just the man between the sticks. “After watching that game against Brighton, it became clear to me that Onana was never the problem,” Pep reportedly said. “The problem is one player — he exposes his goalkeeper every time, leaving too much space and breaking the team’s defensive shape.”
While Guardiola refused to name names directly, insiders and tactical analysts quickly pieced together who he might be referring to. And shockingly — it’s not Harry Maguire, as many fans would expect. Sources close to the Spanish tactician believe Guardiola was talking about one of United’s so-called “untouchable starters” — a player whose positional lapses have become a recurring nightmare for the backline.
Many fans online suspect Guardiola was pointing toward Casemiro, who has looked a shadow of his former self in recent weeks. Once seen as United’s defensive wall, the Brazilian’s declining pace and misplaced tackles have left the defense brutally exposed. Others think the criticism could be aimed at Diogo Dalot, whose attacking instincts often leave acres of space behind him for opposition wingers to exploit — something Brighton exploited mercilessly in their latest clash.
United conceded yet again in sloppy fashion, with Onana left helpless as the defense switched off in key moments. Pep’s observation reflects what many pundits have been saying all season — United’s defensive organization is broken from midfield upwards.
“Goalkeepers are only as good as the protection in front of them,” Guardiola added in his typical analytical tone. “If your midfield and full-backs are constantly out of position, no goalkeeper in the world can survive that.”
The statement has reignited debate among fans, with many admitting Pep might be right. Onana, despite his early-season blunders, has often been forced into impossible situations due to poor tracking, lack of communication, and slow transitions in United’s defensive setup.
Ruben Amorim, United’s current manager, has tried multiple tactical tweaks to restore defensive stability, but nothing seems to work. Every game tells the same story — gaps in midfield, runners left unmarked, and a goalkeeper stranded in no man’s land.
Social media erupted after Guardiola’s comments surfaced, with United fans divided. Some demanded that the “culprit” be dropped immediately, while others turned their attention toward Amorim’s system, arguing that no single player can be blamed for a team-wide collapse in structure.
Whether Pep’s comments were meant as genuine analysis or subtle psychological warfare ahead of future clashes, one thing is clear — Manchester United’s defensive woes run deeper than André Onana.
And if Guardiola’s words hold truth, the Red Devils may need to make a ruthless decision about one key player before the rot becomes irreversible.
👀 Who do you think Guardiola was referring to?
Was it Casemiro, Dalot, or another unexpected culprit destroying United’s defensive balance from within?