Pep Guardiola has once again stirred the football world into a frenzy after making a striking observation about Manchester United’s recurring defensive woes.
Following the Red Devils’ recent encounter with Brighton, the Manchester City manager reportedly gave his honest assessment of what’s truly going wrong at Old Trafford — and to the surprise of many, his criticism was not directed at goalkeeper André Onana.
Instead, Guardiola suggested that the main issue stems from an outfield player whose lack of discipline and positioning constantly leaves the defense — and particularly Onana — exposed.
Renowned for his deep tactical understanding and ability to dissect the game, Guardiola didn’t hold back in his evaluation. “After watching United’s performance against Brighton, it’s clear to me that Onana isn’t the real problem,” he was quoted as saying.
“There’s one player who keeps leaving huge spaces, disrupting the team’s defensive structure, and making the goalkeeper’s task impossible.” Although Guardiola refrained from naming the individual, his remarks instantly ignited widespread speculation among fans and analysts.
Surprisingly, the usual scapegoat Harry Maguire wasn’t the one under the microscope this time. Instead, attention turned toward other key members of United’s lineup.
Many believe Guardiola was referring to Casemiro, whose form this season has been far below his usual high standards.
Once a dependable defensive midfielder who provided stability and protection for the backline, the Brazilian has increasingly struggled to maintain his positional discipline, often venturing too far forward and leaving his defenders vulnerable.
Others, however, suspect the criticism could be aimed at Diogo Dalot, whose constant attacking runs down the flank often leave significant gaps that opponents are quick to exploit — something Brighton capitalized on during their recent encounter.
United’s defensive fragility was once again laid bare, as Onana found himself helpless in several key moments where his defenders failed to track back or maintain proper shape.
Guardiola’s comments echoed a sentiment shared by many pundits: United’s defensive problems are systemic rather than individual.
“A goalkeeper’s performance depends on the structure in front of him,” Guardiola reportedly stated. “If the midfielders and full-backs lose their shape or fail to close spaces, even the best goalkeepers in the world will struggle.”
His words have reignited intense debate across social media and among football analysts. Many fans rallied to defend Onana, claiming he has been unfairly criticized since joining the club.
They argue that despite a few early-season mistakes, he has been repeatedly let down by an inconsistent and poorly organized defense.
On the other hand, some believe that Ruben Amorim’s tactical system deserves scrutiny, suggesting that the issue lies more with the team’s overall setup than with individual performances.
Online discussions quickly escalated after Guardiola’s remarks went viral. Some supporters demanded that the “culprit” be benched immediately, while others defended the player in question, insisting that Amorim’s approach leaves too much space between midfield and defense.
Regardless of where the blame lies, Guardiola’s comments have shone a harsh light on United’s structural weaknesses.
Whether Pep’s words were an honest tactical analysis or a subtle psychological ploy ahead of the next Manchester derby remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable Manchester United’s defensive problems run far deeper than just Onana’s performances.
If Guardiola’s analysis proves to be correct, Amorim and his coaching staff may soon face difficult decisions about who deserves to remain in the starting lineup before these recurring issues completely derail United’s season.
