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Guardiola set for another Manchester United managerial showdown
Pep Guardiola will face his sixth different Manchester United boss when City visit Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby on Saturday. Michael Carrick, appointed interim head coach following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, takes charge for the first time in a high-stakes Premier League encounter.
City's title push vs United's crisis
While Manchester City aim to secure a league double over their rivals and stay in the Premier League title race, United's season has been marred by instability. Knocked out of both domestic cups early, they sit 17 points behind leaders Arsenal and face a battle just to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Guardiola's side, meanwhile, are on a 13-game unbeaten run and competing on all fronts. The Spaniard praised his squad's resilience after last season's rare trophy-less campaign, crediting City's patience with his long-term project.
"Results, results. If you don't win, you are sacked. We won a lot, that's why I am sitting here. There is no other secret," Guardiola said.
United's managerial merry-go-round
Since Guardiola's arrival at City in 2016, United have cycled through six permanent managers-José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and Amorim-alongside caretaker stints from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Darren Fletcher, and now Carrick. None have managed a winning record against Guardiola, with Solskjær (four wins, four defeats) and Amorim (one win, one defeat) the closest.
Guardiola's overall record against United stands at 14 wins from 26 meetings, including a penalty shootout victory in the 2024 Community Shield. However, his points-per-game rate of 1.74 against United is lower than against most other Premier League rivals, offering a glimmer of hope for Carrick's side.
City's dominance and financial firepower
Guardiola's success at City has been underpinned by heavy investment, with his net spend since 2016 exceeding £957 million-third in England behind United (£1.17 billion) and Arsenal (£963 million). His total career spending of £2.24 billion makes him the highest-spending manager in football history, ahead of José Mourinho (£1.72 billion) and Carlo Ancelotti (£1.56 billion).
Recent signings like Antoine Semenyo (£62.5 million) and the imminent arrival of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi (£20 million) reflect City's continued ambition. Despite off-field scrutiny-including 115 Premier League financial charges still unresolved-Guardiola's side remain title contenders, boasting the league's highest goal tally (45) and second-highest possession rate (58.6%).
Carrick's challenge: Stopping the rot
United's defensive frailties-just two clean sheets in 21 league games this season-will be tested against a City side that thrashed League One Exeter City 10-0 in the FA Cup last weekend. For Carrick, avoiding a heavy defeat would be a minor victory as he seeks to steady a club in turmoil.
Guardiola, meanwhile, remains focused on maintaining City's momentum. "I don't know what happened [at United] because I am not there," he said. "It is what it is."
What's at stake
A City win would strengthen their title bid and extend their unbeaten run, while United will hope to disrupt Guardiola's dominance and begin rebuilding under Carrick. For the Red Devils, even a draw would offer a rare positive in a season defined by disappointment.
