Pep Guardiola’s enduring success at Manchester City contrasts sharply with the constant managerial turmoil at Manchester United, as he prepares to face his sixth different United boss in this weekend’s derby, underscoring a decade of City’s dominance and United’s struggles.
When Guardiola steps out at Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby on Saturday, he will take on Michael Carrick, the latest interim manager in a long line of United bosses who have come and gone during his near decade-long tenure at City. This milestone highlights the stark contrast between the two clubs: City has enjoyed unprecedented stability and success under Guardiola, while United has lurched from one crisis to another, cycling through managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Guardiola’s secret to longevity is straightforward, as he emphasized in a recent press conference: “Results, results. If you don’t win, you are sacked. We won a lot, that’s why I am sitting here.” He credited City’s patience, particularly after a rare trophy-less season, for allowing him to rebuild and maintain the club’s competitive edge.
Since joining City in July 2016, Guardiola has faced a rotating cast of United managers, including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim, with Carrick now becoming the sixth. This managerial churn reflects United’s ongoing identity crisis, as the club has failed to recapture its former glory, exiting domestic cups early and languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, 17 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. In contrast, City remains in contention for four trophies this season, boasting a 13-game unbeaten run and a squad refreshed with significant investment, including recent signings like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.
Guardiola’s spending at City has surpassed £2 billion, with a net spend of about £957 million, but it has been matched by remarkable success, delivering 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. United, despite a higher net spend of £1.17 billion, has little to show for it, winning only five major trophies in the same period and never finishing above City in the league since Ferguson’s departure. This financial and competitive gap has solidified City’s status as the dominant force in Manchester, with Guardiola’s tactical consistency and possession-based style becoming hallmarks of the club’s identity.
In derby matches, Guardiola holds a strong record, with 14 victories in 26 encounters against United, including wins over each of the previous five managers. However, his points-per-game rate against United is lower than against some rivals, offering a glimmer of hope for Red Devils fans. The teams have split recent FA Cup finals, with United stunning City in 2024 after losing the previous year, but overall, City’s dominance has been clear, including emphatic wins like a 6-3 rout in 2022.
Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach follows Amorim’s sacking, with the former United midfielder tasked with salvaging a season that will end without silverware. His immediate goal is to secure Champions League qualification, starting with a challenging derby against City and a subsequent match against Arsenal. United’s hierarchy is reportedly considering long-term options, such as Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, but for now, Carrick must navigate the turmoil and instill a sense of stability.
The upcoming derby symbolizes the shifting balance of power in Manchester, with Guardiola’s City embodying calm and success, while United seeks to end a cycle of chaos. A victory for Carrick would provide a morale boost, but it would likely be a temporary respite in a season of disappointment. For Guardiola and City, the focus remains on maintaining their title charge and extending their legacy, with the derby serving as another chapter in a story of sustained excellence versus persistent upheaval.
