I’m only scared of only that guy and not Bruno Fernandes”: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed the only Manchester United’s player who he’s always scared for his team to face. PEP IS SCARED OF HIM
Pep Guardiola Admits One Manchester United Player Always Puts Him on Edge – And It’s Not Bruno Fernandes
Over the past nine years, Pep Guardiola has faced five different Manchester United managers in derby clashes. From José Mourinho to current boss Rúben Amorim, Guardiola has led his Manchester City side against United 21 times, claiming victory in 13 of those matches.
While the likes of Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and José Mourinho have all tried to outwit the City tactician, Solskjær surprisingly holds the best record among them with four derby wins. The Norwegian seemed to have found a formula to challenge Guardiola, especially during the 2019/2020 season when he engineered both home and away wins.
Now, a new chapter is being written with Rúben Amorim at the helm for United. The Portuguese manager made an immediate impact by defeating City in his first Manchester Derby—an achievement no other United boss managed in their debut clash with Guardiola.
The turning point in that dramatic win came late in the game when winger Amad won and converted a penalty, flipping the result in United’s favor at the Etihad.
Despite often offering backhanded compliments, Guardiola did express a degree of genuine respect for Amorim, sarcastically calling him “much better” than himself after Amorim’s United appointment. For those familiar with Guardiola’s press conference mannerisms, such comments are often laced with subtle truths—he’s concerned.
Amorim has now faced Guardiola four times in his career:
2 wins (including a 4-1 triumph with Sporting Lisbon and his debut United win)
1 draw (a goalless result at the Etihad)
1 loss (a heavy 5-0 defeat in Lisbon)
Since that early setback, Amorim has proven capable of disrupting Guardiola’s usually dominant tactics. His success is largely due to his dynamic 3-4-3 formation, strong midfield structure, and the unwavering belief his players exhibit—even under pressure.
Guardiola, known for his dominance and ability to adapt, now finds himself in unfamiliar territory: facing a rival coach who has beaten him more than once. Their budding rivalry is slowly becoming one of the most fascinating narratives in the Premier League.
As City prepare to visit Old Trafford this Sunday, the stakes are high. Amorim has the chance to:
Complete a league double over Guardiola
Cement himself as a serious force in English football
Reinforce United’s top-four ambitions
If he pulls it off, Amorim won’t just be another name in Pep’s managerial battles—he’ll be the man changing the power dynamics in Manchester.
So the question remains: Can Amorim outfox Guardiola once again, or will Pep strike back with a tactical masterclass?
