When Pep Guardiola steps out at Previous Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby on Saturday, he will probably be taking up a sixth completely different United boss in his close to decade-long profession in cost at Metropolis.
Michael Carrick is the most recent man within the Manchester United hotseat, with this his first recreation since becoming a member of as interim head coach after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
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As chaos continues to reign for United, there stays a calmness and serenity on the blue half of the Manchester divide.
Guardiola and his troops will probably be aiming to gather a league double that can preserve them within the hunt for the Premier League title, whereas Carrick will probably be hoping to grab native bragging rights in an in any other case calamitous marketing campaign.
Final season was a uncommon blip for Metropolis as they didn’t win a serious trophy, however they’re again to close their finest – and Guardiola has hailed the “spirit” in his rejuvenated aspect who’re battling on all 4 fronts and on a 13-game unbeaten run.
Requested what has been a very powerful consider his longevity, Guardiola mentioned: “Outcomes, outcomes. In the event you do not win, you’re sacked.
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“We gained quite a bit, that is why I’m sitting right here. There is no such thing as a different secret. [At City] they’re extra affected person perhaps. It defines the membership.
“One other membership final season, I’d not be right here any extra. They have been affected person, perhaps with what we did up to now. We had three months that was actually poor.
“The previous was actually good, the variety of titles we gained was extraordinary, so that’s the reason I’m nonetheless right here.”
A transparent id
Up to now 10 years, United have cycled by ‘the Particular One’ Jose Mourinho, the vibe of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the interim reign of Ralf Rangnick, the tactician Erik ten Hag and the younger hope in Amorim.
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All have are available in and been seen off by Guardiola, who joined Metropolis in July 2016.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher have additionally been in submit for brief caretaker spells, whereas former Crimson Devils midfielder Carrick takes cost for a second time as United flip to nostalgia as soon as extra with a view to attempt to salvage a season that can finish with out silverware.
Knocked out on the first hurdle in each home cups, United are 17 factors adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal – and a top-five end to return to the Champions League can be classed as some kind of success.
However as United battle to regain an id, Metropolis’s slick operation rolls on.
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The newest iteration of Guardiola’s squad seem like pushing the Gunners all the best way within the high flight, and the edges might additionally meet within the Carabao Cup ultimate.
Guardiola refreshed each his squad and employees in the summertime – however the enjoying fashion and mantra have remained the identical because the ‘tiki-taka’ days at Barcelona.
With 58.6% possession this season, Metropolis have the second-highest common in that metric behind solely Liverpool. They’ve additionally had extra touches of the ball and extra tried take-ons of opponents than some other aspect, based on statistics web site
United might also be scared of internet hosting a Guardiola aspect who’re the highest scorers within the division this season with 45 targets – and mercilessly put 10 previous League One staff Exeter Metropolis within the FA Cup final Saturday.
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The staff Carrick has inherited have stored solely two clear sheets in 21 league video games this time period and the brand new boss ought to take into account it a job effectively carried out in the event that they handle to claw out a 3rd.
Spending energy
Guardiola won’t solely go down as probably the most profitable supervisor in Metropolis’s historical past however as one of many biggest of all time given his earlier exploits at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, successful considerable home and worldwide trophies.
The Spaniard has loved a wholesome working relationship with the Metropolis hierarchy, significantly former sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who left in the summertime, and the “good substitute” in Hugo Viana.
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He has been closely backed within the switch market, with the current £62.5m signing of ahead Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth taking Guardiola’s spending at Metropolis previous the £2bn mark.
The membership are near bolstering their squad even additional after to signal Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this month for £20m.
Since taking cost in July 2016, Guardiola’s of about £957m is the third highest in England behind United’s £1.17bn – with little to point out for it – and Arsenal’s £963m.
Guardiola’s spending, although, has been matched by his success, delivering 18 trophies together with six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, 4 Carabao Cups and the holy grail of the Champions League in 2023.
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In response to the 54-year-old – he turns 55 on Sunday – is the highest-spending supervisor in historical past having splashed £2.24bn on new gamers throughout his profession, adopted by previous rival Mourinho with £1.72bn and Carlo Ancelotti on £1.56bn.
Guardiola and Metropolis are nonetheless ready for a decision over the laid towards the membership by the Premier League, nearly from once they have been first introduced.
Blended file in derbies
United haven’t managed to complete above their Manchester rivals within the league within the Guardiola period, with two second locations behind Metropolis the closest they’ve been.
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Metropolis beat United within the 2023 FA Cup ultimate, en path to claiming the Treble, however Ten Hag’s aspect gained revenge by beautiful Guardiola’s males at Wembley a 12 months later.
Guardiola has confronted United 26 instances in all competitions as Metropolis boss, attaining 14 victories (together with a penalty shootout win within the 2024 Neighborhood Defend).
No United supervisor has a successful file towards him, with Solskjaer (4 wins and 4 defeats) and Amorim (one win and one defeat) the one Crimson Devils bosses who would not have a dropping file towards the Spaniard.
“It’s what it’s,” Guardiola mentioned of the rivalry. “I can not management what United have carried out. You recognize from day one, the opinion I’ve for United.
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“I do not know what occurred as a result of I’m not there.”
Nonetheless, Guardiola’s league file towards United would possibly present some hope to Crimson Devils followers.
Of groups he has confronted 5 or extra instances, Guardiola holds a points-per-game price of 1.74 towards United, faring worse solely towards Tottenham (1.42) and Liverpool (1.32).
Defeat on Saturday would little doubt dent Metropolis’s title hopes, however it will give little motive for panic at Etihad Stadium.
United, in the meantime, will probably be hoping their newest reboot may end up in a successful begin as they try to finish the circle of turmoil at Previous Trafford.
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