Key Highlights
- Pep Guardiola has outlasted five different Manchester United managers during his tenure at Manchester City.
- Michael Carrick becomes the sixth United boss to face Guardiola after taking over as interim head coach.
- Guardiola’s team is aiming for a league double against United, while Carrick seeks local bragging rights despite United’s struggles.
- The past 10 years have seen Manchester City dominate under Guardiola, with only one rare blip in their trophy-winning streak last season.
Guardiola’s Unwavering Tenure: A Decade of Success at City
Pep Guardiola’s journey at Manchester City continues to be marked by resilience and triumph. As the club approaches a decade under his stewardship, the Spaniard has not only managed to maintain his status but also outlasted several United managers who have come and gone. The latest in this succession is Michael Carrick, who takes over as interim head coach after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Guardiola’s tenure at City began in July 2016 with a clear mandate to revive the team’s performance and instill his tactical philosophy, known for its possession-based football. Over this period, he has seen Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and several caretaker managers come through at United, each facing their own challenges and eventually being replaced.
The Manchester Derby: A Longstanding Rivalry
When Guardiola steps out at Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby on Saturday, it will be his first encounter with Carrick as a full-time United manager. The rivalry between these two clubs is intense and has been defined by Guardiola’s dominance. Last season was a rare exception where City failed to win any major trophies, but they have since returned to form, currently boasting a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Guardiola attributes his longevity at the helm of City to one primary factor: results. “Results, results,” he stated emphatically. “If you don’t win, you are sacked. We won a lot, that’s why I am sitting here.” This philosophy has not only kept him in his job but also allowed him to build an identity for City that is recognized worldwide.
City’s Performance and Spending
The current iteration of Guardiola’s squad continues to push the boundaries with possession-based football. With 58.6% possession this season, they are second only to Liverpool in this metric. Additionally, their ability to create chances and score goals has been a hallmark of their success, making them top scorers in the Premier League this season.
Guardiola’s spending record at City is impressive but also controversial.
Since taking charge in 2016, his net spend of about £957m is the third highest in England behind United’s £1.17bn and Arsenal’s £963m. Despite this significant investment, he has managed to win 18 trophies including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and the Champions League in 2023.
Looking Ahead: A Decisive Match
The upcoming match between Manchester City and Manchester United is more than just a league clash. For Guardiola, it’s an opportunity to maintain his winning record against Carrick and the rest of the United squad. However, for Carrick and United, it could be seen as a chance to reclaim some pride on their home turf.
“It is what it is,” Guardiola said about the rivalry. “I cannot control what United have done.
You know from day one, the opinion I have for United.” Despite this, there remains hope among Manchester City fans that United’s struggles could provide an opening in the league standings and in other competitions.
The clash between these two clubs promises to be a battle of two different philosophies—Guardiola’s patient, possession-based football versus Carrick’s more traditional approach. As both teams gear up for this historic match, the stakes are high for both managers and their respective supporters.
