“I’ve Finally Figured It Out — Onana Was Never the Problem!”
Pep Guardiola Reveals the Real Player Ruining Manchester United’s Defense — and It’s NOT Harry Maguire!
BREAKING: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly delivered a stunning assessment of Manchester United’s ongoing defensive crisis following their latest defeat to Brighton.
In what’s being described as a brutally honest analysis, Guardiola claimed that André Onana — long criticized for United’s defensive instability — has been wrongly blamed. Instead, he pointed to a single outfield player who, according to him, is truly at the heart of United’s defensive collapse.
“After watching that match against Brighton, it became clear — Onana was never the issue,” Guardiola reportedly said. “The real problem is one player who constantly exposes his goalkeeper, leaving too much space and breaking the team’s shape.”
Though Pep avoided naming the player directly, tactical experts and insiders quickly connected the dots. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Harry Maguire — often the target of fan frustration — but one of United’s so-called undroppable starters.
Many believe Guardiola’s criticism was aimed at Casemiro, who has looked far from his dominant best this season. Once a defensive powerhouse, the Brazilian’s fading pace and erratic positioning have frequently left United’s backline unprotected.
Others, however, suspect Diogo Dalot may have been the focus — a full-back whose attacking surges often leave gaping holes on his flank, something Brighton ruthlessly exploited.
United’s latest loss followed a familiar pattern: positional errors, slow transitions, and a stranded Onana with little protection. Guardiola’s analysis echoed what many pundits have been saying — the goalkeeper isn’t the root cause of United’s problems.
“A keeper is only as good as the protection in front of him,” Guardiola explained. “If your midfield and full-backs are constantly out of position, even the best goalkeeper in the world will struggle.”
His remarks have reignited fierce debate across social media. Some fans applauded Guardiola’s insight, claiming he “said what everyone’s been thinking.” Others warned that singling out one player could create unnecessary tension within the squad.
Meanwhile, Rúben Amorim, United’s current manager, continues to experiment with formations to restore stability, but the same issues persist — poor tracking, exposed spaces, and constant miscommunication.
Whether Guardiola’s comments were sincere tactical analysis or a touch of mind games ahead of future derbies, one thing seems certain: Manchester United’s defensive problems run far deeper than André Onana.
And if Pep’s assessment is accurate, the Red Devils might soon face a tough decision about a key player whose flaws are threatening to undo their entire structure.
