In what could be one of the most shocking transfer sagas of the season, Pep Guardiola has reportedly been left furious and heartbroken after discovering that one of his most trusted Manchester City stars is on the verge of rejecting a new deal at the Etihad to complete a sensational switch to Manchester United this January.
The usually composed and calculated City boss could not mask his emotions when questioned about the player’s decision in a post-match press conference earlier today.
“It feels really strange to imagine one of my best players wearing a Manchester United shirt,” Guardiola said. “I’m not just disappointed — I genuinely feel betrayed by him.”
His comments have sent ripples throughout the football world, particularly in Manchester, where the rivalry between the two clubs runs deep. Should this move go through, it would mark the first direct transfer from City to United in modern history — a move that defies one of football’s most sacred unwritten rules.
Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led management, Manchester United have made no secret of their ambition to rebuild the club’s identity by recruiting proven Premier League talents. With Ruben Amorim steering their new era, the club has intensified its pursuit of experienced winners capable of restoring the Red Devils’ former glory — and this particular signing fits that plan perfectly.
Sources close to the negotiation hint that talks are in the final stages, with personal terms already agreed upon. United are said to be preparing an official announcement once the player’s current club gives the green light in early January.
The potential arrival would be a major statement from Manchester United, adding experience, leadership, and technical brilliance to an area that has long been seen as a weak spot in their squad.
For City fans, however, the news has landed like a thunderbolt. Losing a key figure to their bitter rivals feels like a betrayal of loyalty and a serious dent in Guardiola’s ongoing project. Across town, United supporters have flooded social media with celebrations, claiming this could mark the beginning of a new era. One fan posted, “Pep’s heartbreak is our victory — United are rising again while City crumble.”
While Guardiola has dealt with player exits before, this one feels personal. A move to Manchester United, of all clubs, carries emotional weight and could redefine the balance of power in English football.
If completed, the transfer would symbolize more than just a change of clubs — it would be a turning point in Manchester’s football rivalry and a clear warning to Europe that the Red Devils are truly back in business.
