Pep Guardiola has sent shockwaves through the football world after making a striking claim about Manchester United’s defensive struggles.
In the wake of United’s recent match against Brighton, the Manchester City manager reportedly suggested that André Onana — often blamed for the team’s defensive woes — is not the real problem.
Instead, Guardiola pointed to a specific outfield player whose poor positioning continually leaves the goalkeeper exposed.
Known for his tactical sharpness, Guardiola didn’t hold back in his reported remarks. “From watching the Brighton match, it was clear to me that Onana isn’t the issue,” he said.
“There’s one player who keeps breaking the defensive structure, leaving massive gaps, and making life impossible for the keeper.”
Although Guardiola stopped short of naming the player, speculation quickly spread among fans and pundits. Surprisingly, Harry Maguire wasn’t the main suspect. Instead, attention turned to two of United’s usual starters.
Many believe Guardiola was referring to Casemiro, whose form has dipped noticeably this season. Once United’s reliable midfield anchor, the Brazilian has often been caught out of position, exposing the defense.
Others think Pep’s comments may have been aimed at Diogo Dalot, whose frequent forward runs have left the backline vulnerable — a weakness Brighton exploited to perfection.
Once again, United’s defensive lapses were on full display, with Onana left helpless as his defenders failed to react. Guardiola’s observations echoed what several analysts have argued all season — that the problem begins in midfield, not in goal.
“A goalkeeper’s strength depends on the structure in front of him,” Pep reportedly noted. “If the midfield loses its shape or the full-backs don’t recover, even the best keeper can’t save you.”
His remarks have reignited fierce debate among supporters. Many agree that Onana has been unfairly singled out despite showing improvement, while others insist Amorim’s tactical approach is the root cause of United’s ongoing issues.
The defensive unit continues to struggle with poor organization, slow transitions, and untracked runners — all of which have cost them crucial points.
As Pep’s analysis went viral on social media, fans were split — some called for the underperforming player to be dropped, while others viewed Guardiola’s comments as subtle mind games ahead of the next Manchester derby.
Whatever the motive, one thing is clear: Manchester United’s defensive problems run deeper than just their goalkeeper.
If Guardiola’s assessment proves accurate, Amorim may soon have to make tough decisions about who truly deserves to keep their place in the starting lineup.
