Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reacted to their rivals' decision to sack Ruben Amorim, claiming that fine margins cost the United head coach his position
Pep Guardiola speaks
Pep Guardiola thinks highly of Ruben Amorim(Image: Manchester City)
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Pep Guardiola reckons that Ruben Amorim was close to turning Manchester United into Premier League title challengers - but results didn't go his way. United announced Amorim's sacking on Monday, with the Portuguese having fallen out with director of football Jason Wilcox.
Confirmation came less than 24 hours after United were held to a 1-1 draw away to Leeds, although the decision is understood to have been made before Sunday's trip to Elland Road. United missed the chance to go fourth in the table, having dropped points in nine of their last 11 fixtures.
Guardiola pointed out that had United won games in which they were favourites, they could be 'close to' leaders Arsenal, just like his Manchester City side are. "I don't think there's a country where if you don't win games you are safe," the City manager explained.
"Normally if you don't get results it doesn't matter the past or the present. They hire you with a perspective for your ideas and you are sacked for results.
"Sometimes you need a process and time. At United, they draw three games at home - against Everton who had 10 against 11 for 70 minutes, against Bournemouth and Wolves. They could have been close to Arsenal.
"The gaps are so small and now you see United have had a lot of absences like we have right now and it's difficult with players at the Africa Cup of Nations and important players not available."
Guardiola added: "Like what happened with Enzo (Maresca) I cannot say anything for the respect of the players and institutions. Like Enzo, he (Amorim) is a top manager. The decision has been made by our neighbours. I wish Ruben all the best in the future."
United said that sacking Amorim will improve their chances of achieving 'the highest possible Premier League finish'. "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United," their statement read.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, gestures during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on January 04, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has been sacked(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
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"Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club's leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
"This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
"The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday."
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