Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola dealt ‘scandalous blow’ to Man United management after derby

Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola dealt ‘scandalous blow’ to Man United management after derby

Gary Neville believes Pep Guardiola’s post-match comments cast critical eye on how Man United are run

 

STRONG POINTS

 

Manchester United’s problems continue as they suffered a resounding defeat against Manchester City, highlighting their lack of form and inability to repeat past successes.

Uncertainty over ownership of the club compounds off-field problems, with a takeover saga still unresolved.

Pep Guardiola’s comments about Manchester City’s unity and stability compared to United highlight the division between the two clubs and the problems within United’s organization.

Manchester United’s struggles continued on Sunday afternoon as they were brushed aside by Manchester City in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were outclassed by their fierce rivals, with Erling Haaland’s brace and Phil Foden’s goal giving the away side a comfortable 3-0 victory. This result means United have won just five of their opening 10 Premier League games at the start of the season. They occupy eighth place, 11 points behind leader Tottenham Hotspur.

 

 

Pep Guardiola comments on Man United after easy Man City win

 

There is uncertainty at United, on and off the pitch. On the pitch, they have struggled to repeat the form that saw them win the Carabao Cup and finish in the top four in the 2022/23 season. Off the field, there is uncertainty over ownership of the club, with a takeover saga still unresolved. Read more: Every Erik ten Hag has made at Man United, ranked from worst to best

 

Pep Guardiola was asked about United during his post-match press conference. A journalist asked him: “When you arrived in 2016, did you ever think you would create the rift that exists now between you and United? It feels like you’re playing a different sport…”

 

Guardiola responded, according to Sky Sports: “I know what we did. I don’t know what Man Utd did because I’m not here. But I honestly didn’t expect it when I arrived here with Jose Mourinho [to start at United], with [Zlatan ] Ibrahimovic [in attack for United], with top players, [Romelu] Lukaku [signed in 2017]…”

 

The Catalan coach then spoke about how everyone at City is united and moving in the same direction. Many will say the same cannot be said of United. When Gary Neville saw the comments, he interpreted them as “outrageous interference in United management!” »

 

Guardiola continued: “I have often said that we are going in the same direction, the president, the CEO, the sporting director, the manager and the players. We are going there. False or true, it doesn’t matter if we go there.

“Of course we make mistakes. If we lose or things don’t go well, we’re not here to blame anyone. “It’s okay, we have to do better, what’s going on? The opponent is getting better, we are getting worse, what should we do to find a solution?’ Handsome.

“We’ve done this since day one. We didn’t win the first season, I didn’t hear my president complain, absolutely not. He supported me unconditionally. I remember when we lost the Champions League final against Chelsea we were devastated, and so was I. And the president said: ‘Sooner or later we will win. What should we do now? Come on let’s go’. “The club is counting on me, the players know that I am counting on them. When this happens, we don’t get too excited when we win or lose, it’s not dramatic. OK, it’s a football game, what should we do to improve? “That’s why I think the club organization is so stable.”

 

 

 

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Manchester City player ratings: Haaland double buries Manchester United

Manchester City player ratings: Haaland double buries Manchester United

36 minutes ago

Andre Onana – 6 – Made seven saves, four of them from inside the box, but of course he conceded three goals, so the rating can’t be much higher.

Victor Lindelof – 5.5 – had to deal with Foden drifting inside and Walker straddling the right flank. Made two interceptions, a clearance and a block, but was repeatedly beaten to allow City access to dangerous areas on the right.

Johnny

Harry Maguire – 6.5 – The most aggressive of the defenders, working more closely with Haaland, winning all four of his duels and making eight clearance attempts.

Diogo Dalot – 5 – Struggled against Grealish when isolated in 1v1 areas, making two tackles, an interception and three clearances, but was repeatedly beaten down the left and struggled to keep Grealish quiet.

 

 

Christian Eriksen – 6 – Tried to win the ball back in deeper areas for United and get things going, played an important pass and created a great chance. He also completed two of two long balls. Marcus Rashford – 4 – Failed to get involved enough as United’s outlet, the space was wide but he didn’t take advantage of it. He managed just one shot (off target) and completed just one of his five dribbling attempts.

Scott McTominay – 6.5 – Was United’s biggest threat, with two shots on target, completing his only attempted dribble and his only attempted long ball. He also looked his part on defense with four tackles, one interception, two blocks and two clearances.

Bruno Fernandes – 5 – Head down and looked disinterested. He made two crucial passes and had two shots (one on goal and one off goal), but didn’t lead by example as captain and could have done a lot more.

Rasmus Hojlund – 5.5 – missed the penalty for City’s opening goal but tried to shake things up in attack for United. He made two crucial passes, completed two out of two dribbles and won four of his seven ground duels.