“He Got Erik Ten Hag Sacked, Now He’s After Amorim”: Pep Guardiola Warns Ruben Amorim About One Player Who Could Derail His Manchester United Project
In a stunning and unexpected twist, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has issued a rare piece of advice to incoming Manchester United managerial target Ruben Amorim — and it involves cutting ties with a player who Guardiola believes was the root cause behind Erik ten Hag’s dramatic downfall at Old Trafford.
While Guardiola has always maintained a level of diplomacy when discussing his city rivals, the Spanish tactician broke his silence in an exclusive conversation with close insiders, reportedly expressing concern over the direction Manchester United could take under Amorim if the same internal mistakes are repeated. The subject of his caution? A single player who he believes “undermined Ten Hag” and is now on course to “do the same to Amorim unless swift action is taken.”
Guardiola, who has famously clashed with Amorim during Manchester City’s European duels with Sporting CP, made it clear that while he respects the Portuguese coach and admires his tactical mind, he does not wish to see him fail at United.
“I know Amorim defeated me many times, but I don’t want him to fail,” Guardiola reportedly told a trusted source. “That’s why I’ve told him already – remove that player before it’s too late. He got Ten Hag sacked, and he’s trying to replicate it with Amorim.”
While Guardiola refrained from naming the player publicly, insiders claim the player in question is none other than Bruno Fernandes — the United captain whose leadership has come under heavy fire in recent months. According to sources close to the situation, Guardiola believes Fernandes’ erratic on-pitch behavior, divisive dressing-room presence, and failure to unite the squad ultimately played a decisive role in Erik ten Hag’s collapse.
Despite moments of brilliance, Fernandes’ tendency to complain, clash with teammates, and ignore tactical discipline reportedly left Ten Hag isolated, frustrated, and powerless to enforce his philosophy. Guardiola is convinced that unless Amorim takes bold action early on, he too will be dragged into the same toxic dynamic.
“It’s not about talent,” Guardiola allegedly emphasized. “Bruno is a top player technically. But the leadership… the energy he spreads in the team… it’s not healthy for a manager trying to build structure and discipline. Amorim must make that decision now if he wants to last at United.”
Ruben Amorim, who has already agreed to a preliminary deal with Manchester United, is known for being a strong-willed tactician who values harmony, pressing intensity, and unity above all else. Whether he will act on Guardiola’s warning remains to be seen, but the Portuguese manager is no stranger to making ruthless calls for the greater good of the team — he famously froze out high-profile stars at Sporting CP who didn’t fit his vision, leading to the club’s transformation into title contenders.
The bombshell comments from Guardiola have sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike. United supporters are split: some see Fernandes as a passionate figure who gives his all, while others acknowledge that his temperament and leadership style have often caused friction.
What’s clear is that Amorim’s era at Old Trafford may begin with a massive, headline-grabbing decision — one that could define his entire reign.
As Guardiola put it, “There are moments when a manager must choose long-term success over short-term comfort. Amorim’s moment is now.”
Whether Ruben Amorim heeds this advice and makes a seismic change by axing a player of Fernandes’ stature will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about storylines in English football this summer.