“If he choose Man United over Man City, I’ll resign as a football coach…He’s the player we can’t afford to see him playing for them, they may become undefeatable with him”: Pep Guardiola angered by World-class player’s decision to join Man United as Man City increases bid to convince him from Man United transfer
A recent report suggests that Pep Guardiola has shown interest in a player targeted by Manchester United. Historically, both Manchester clubs have vied for the same players, often with United securing the signings initially. Notable examples include Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sanchez, Fred, and Harry Maguire, all of whom were linked to Manchester City before joining United. However, these signings have not always panned out well for the Red Devils. Ronaldo, Sanchez, and Fred had disappointing stints at Old Trafford, and Maguire’s time has been fraught with challenges.
In contrast, Manchester City has a reputation for shrewd business in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with high-quality players. With Guardiola’s impressive tenure, including four consecutive Premier League titles, the club aims to continue rewarding him with top-tier signings.
One such target is Jarrad Branthwaite, a defender whom United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bring to Old Trafford. Despite United’s diminished dominance in recent years, the club still holds significant allure for many players due to its prestigious history and status in English football. However, if Manchester City enters the fray, United’s chances of securing a player become precarious given City’s recent success and status as the benchmark in English football.
According to The Sun, Guardiola admires Branthwaite’s ability to play out from the back and his defensive skills. The 22-year-old is valued at £80 million, a figure that aligns him with other high-profile defenders like Josko Gvardiol, Harry Maguire, and Wesley Fofana, who have commanded similar fees.
Despite Branthwaite’s qualities, some question the necessity of this potential acquisition for Manchester City. With a robust lineup of defenders including John Stones, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and recent addition Josko Gvardiol, City doesn’t appear to have an immediate need for another centre-back. The move for Branthwaite would make more sense if City planned to offload an injury-prone player like Stones. However, with no current links suggesting departures for any of these defenders, spending £80 million on Branthwaite seems excessive for an area that isn’t a priority for City at the moment.
Ultimately, while Branthwaite’s talent is evident, Manchester City’s current defensive depth raises questions about the strategic necessity of such a high-cost signing. As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will pursue this interest or focus on other areas to strengthen his squad.
