BREAKING NEWS: “He’s My Biggest Threat” – Pep Guardiola Names the One Man United Player Who Troubled His Defence
Pep Guardiola has made a stunning admission following Manchester City’s clash with Manchester United, openly naming the one United player who caused his defenders the most problems throughout the match. In a revelation that has surprised many fans, the City manager confirmed that it was neither Bryan Mbeumo nor Amad Diallo, but another Manchester United star who forced him into drastic tactical measures on the night.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola revealed that he had instructed two players to focus solely on stopping one United attacker, yet admitted that the plan failed.
“I assigned two players to mark only him yesterday and they still failed woefully,” Guardiola said. “He’s my biggest threat in this league. He always gives me a tough time whenever we play them.”
The player Guardiola was referring to is Marcus Rashford.
Despite debate around Rashford’s form this season, the England international once again proved why Guardiola considers him such a dangerous opponent. His pace, direct running, and ability to exploit space behind the defence consistently unsettled Manchester City, forcing Guardiola into a more cautious setup than usual.
According to Guardiola, City’s entire defensive plan was designed around limiting Rashford’s influence. Full-backs were instructed not to push too high, while an additional midfielder was tasked with providing cover whenever Rashford drifted into central areas. Yet even with those measures in place, Rashford continued to pose a constant threat.
“He doesn’t need many touches,” Guardiola explained. “One run, one moment, and the game changes. That’s why he’s so dangerous.”
Throughout the match, Rashford repeatedly stretched City’s back line, pinning defenders deep and creating space for teammates to operate. Even when he was not directly involved in goals, his movement forced City to abandon their usual high defensive line, disrupting their rhythm and build-up play.
Several moments highlighted Rashford’s impact. Early in the first half, a perfectly timed run behind City’s defence led to a dangerous chance that required a last-ditch interception. Later, his direct dribbling forced City defenders into fouls in advanced areas, relieving pressure on United and allowing them to control key phases of the game.
Guardiola’s praise also carried a tone of frustration. “We prepared for him. We talked about him a lot,” he admitted. “But some players are very difficult to stop because of how they move and how fast they think.”
For Manchester United fans, Guardiola’s comments feel like vindication. Rashford has often been criticised for inconsistency, but against Manchester City he once again showed his ability to rise to the biggest occasions. His performances in previous derbies, including decisive goals and match-winning displays, have made him a recurring headache for Guardiola’s side.
Former players and pundits were quick to react to Guardiola’s admission. One former Premier League defender noted, “When Pep Guardiola says he doubled up on you and still couldn’t stop you, that’s elite-level respect. Rashford changes how teams defend.”
The comments also underline the tactical maturity shown by Manchester United on the night. By positioning Rashford intelligently and allowing him freedom to exploit space, United maximised his strengths while forcing City to compromise their usual attacking philosophy.
Interestingly, Guardiola was keen to clarify that his concerns were not about flashy dribbling or constant touches. “It’s not about tricks,” he said. “It’s about timing, speed, and understanding space. Rashford is exceptional at that.”
While Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were both lively in their own ways, Guardiola made it clear that Rashford was the primary danger that dictated City’s defensive approach. The fact that even a two-man marking system failed only reinforced the player’s importance.
As Manchester United look to build momentum from the result, Guardiola’s words serve as a powerful reminder of Rashford’s quality. When confident and used correctly, he remains one of the most feared attackers in the Premier League.
For Guardiola, the frustration was evident, but so was the respect. “Some players,” he concluded, “you can prepare everything for them — and they still hurt you. Rashford is one of those.”
In a league filled with world-class attackers, being labelled the “biggest threat” by Pep Guardiola is no small compliment. For Marcus Rashford, it may be the clearest statement yet that on his day, he remains unplayable.
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