In a surprising revelation that has stirred the football world, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken a dig at Manchester United and their transfer strategy under Erik ten Hag.
Speaking candidly during a recent press conference, Guardiola did not hold back in criticizing the Red Devils for what he perceives as a misguided acquisition this summer.
“Let’s tell ourselves the truth,” Guardiola began. “You can’t compete with finished players.
Players that their clubs rejected are the ones you’re buying with huge amounts to compete with us. It’s not going to work.”
The City manager was referring to United’s high-profile signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, a deal that many had hailed as a potential game-changer for the club. However, Guardiola believes that this move was a significant error on Ten Hag’s part.
Mazraoui, once a promising talent, struggled for regular playing time at Bayern Munich last season.
Despite his potential, the Moroccan international found himself on the fringes of the squad, unable to secure a consistent starting role.
When United swooped in with a substantial offer, many questioned whether the player was truly worth the investment.
“Look, I’m not saying Mazraoui isn’t a good player,” Guardiola continued. “But when you’re talking about competing at the highest level, you need players who are already there, not ones who are trying to prove themselves again.
Bayern let him go for a reason, and now United are banking on him to be a key player. It’s a risk, and I think it’s one that will backfire.”
Guardiola’s comments have sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.
While some believe that Mazraoui has the potential to prove his doubters wrong, others agree with the City boss, arguing that United may have overpaid for a player who is yet to fulfill his promise.
For Erik ten Hag, this criticism adds pressure as he continues to reshape his squad at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman, who took over the reins last season, has been tasked with restoring United to their former glory.
But with rivals like City setting the bar so high, any misstep in the transfer market could prove costly.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Mazraoui and whether he can silence his critics, including Guardiola.
For now, though, it seems that the Manchester derby rivalry has extended beyond the pitch and into the boardroom.
