Perhaps the most empathetic part of Guardiola’s message concerned the mitigating circumstances Amorim faced regarding squad availability. United have been plagued by a mounting injury list, compounded by international departures.
It is a struggle Guardiola knows well, as City negotiate their own fitness issues. He highlighted the impact of the African Cup of Nations and key injuries, suggesting that no manager, regardless of their pedigree, can easily navigate such a depleted squad in the world's most competitive league.
“Now you see United have had a lot of absences like we have right now,” Guardiola said. “It's difficult with players at the African Cup and important players not available.”
For Guardiola, the dismissal of a "top manager" like Amorim serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of their trade. While the red side of Manchester begins the search for a new saviour, the City boss has made it clear that, in his view, the man they just let go was a victim of circumstance, bad luck, and a lack of patience, rather than a lack of ability.