After joining Manchester United, Pep Guardiola jokingly reminded Ruben Amorim that he wouldn’t get another chance to beat him in the Champions League this season.
This lighthearted remark followed a thrilling showdown where Amorim’s Sporting CP pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over Guardiola’s Manchester City, making waves across European football.
In that game, City took an early lead in the first five minutes, courtesy of Phil Foden. However, Sporting soon responded with remarkable energy and precision, staging a comeback powered by a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick and a goal from Maxi Araujo.
Sporting’s impressive attacking display sealed their dominant win over City, boosting their confidence and edging them closer to the Champions League knockout stage.
With the top eight teams progressing directly to the Round of 16, Sporting now holds second place in the League Phase standings, though other results on Wednesday could affect their position.
Meanwhile, Amorim is set to face new challenges as Manchester United’s incoming manager, joining the Premier League on November 11 and leaving Sporting behind to pursue his career goals in English football.
Amorim’s arrival promises to add excitement to the Premier League, with his success at Sporting fueling expectations about his impact at United.
Amid this transition, Guardiola humorously noted that United and City will be chasing very different objectives this season.
For City, the Champions League remains a top priority, as Guardiola’s squad seeks to conquer recent obstacles in their pursuit of European success.
On the other hand, Amorim’s United will likely focus on domestic accomplishments and team rebuilding.
Guardiola’s comment highlights the competitive yet cordial relationship between the two managers as they prepare for battles in English football.
Amorim’s move has already generated plenty of interest, especially following his Champions League achievements.
His European experience will be crucial as he leads United in a new direction.
City, meanwhile, left shaken by their defeat to Sporting, must address the issues exposed in that match if they aim to stay competitive in both the Premier League and Champions League.
This result underscores the unpredictable nature of European football, where one game can shift the trajectory for clubs and coaches alike.
As Sporting revels in their major win and continues their European journey, Amorim’s focus will soon turn to the challenges of managing a club with the history of Manchester United.
His move adds a fresh layer to the Manchester rivalry, while Guardiola’s remark serves as a friendly reminder of their differing goals and a subtle challenge as they lead the two clubs down separate paths.
