Pep Guardiola has always demanded more from his players than goals, assists and trophies.

The 55-year-old has called time on his days as Manchester City manager after 10 years, delivering 20 trophies that include City’s first-ever Champions League title, and a record four Premier League titles in a row. His former assistant and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly close to replacing him, as Guardiola takes up a role as Global Ambassador for the City Football Group, with him making it clear that an immediate return to management isn’t on the cards.

As reported by The Athletic, a story that emerged from inside the club during what was the final campaign of Guardiola’s tenure perfectly captures that mentality, and interestingly, the example he chose to make his point came from the other side of Manchester.

Guardiola Used Manchester United Star to Make a Point to his Squad

Following September’s Manchester derby, a match City won 3-0, Guardiola gathered his squad together for a routine post-match debrief. Players expected the usual tactical breakdown, analysing what City had done well and where improvements could still be made. Instead, Guardiola prepared something completely different.

Rather than focusing on his own team, he directed attention towards the reaction of one United player immediately after Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Guardiola reportedly had clips prepared and ready to show the squad, determined to use the moment as an example of behaviour he’d never want to see from his own players.

The individual in question wasn’t a fringe player, or an inexperienced youngster. It was one of United’s senior figures, a footballer regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented creators and somebody Guardiola himself is believed to admire greatly.

Guardiola’s issue wasn’t with the player’s ability. In fact, those present say he made a point of acknowledging the player’s quality before delivering his message.

Instead, the City boss focused on the reaction itself. In frustration following the goal, the United star had openly turned on his teammates, visibly berating them as City celebrated. Guardiola used the clip to reinforce the standards expected inside his own dressing room, where public blame and visible frustration towards teammates are seen as damaging behaviours.

The player Guardiola used as the example was Bruno Fernandes, the new holder of the Premier League’s all-time assist record and Player of the Season.

The article explained: “The day after September’s derby, one source who was present describes how the manager did not want to highlight what his players had done — the focus was instead on Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal midfielder was livid with his United team-mates for their role in Phil Foden’s opening goal, openly berating them as City celebrated.

The incident in question appears to have occurred after Foden scored the opener vs Man Utd in September 2025. As the footage shows below, Fernandes doesn’t track his man but immediately expresses his frustration with his teammates instead of taking responsibility.

Pep Guardiola’s Obsession With Mentality at Manchester City

Those close to Guardiola’s methods say moments like this are entirely consistent with how he’s always operated. Throughout his managerial career, he’s obsessed over details many others would overlook, believing mentality and body language are just as important to a player’s game as ability is.

A similar lesson was reportedly highlighted after City’s victory over Arsenal in April. Guardiola pointed to Rodri immediately sprinting forward after losing possession, forcing William Saliba to track him and creating the space for Erling Haaland to score. At the same time, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was said to have hesitated before reacting.

Those tiny differences matter enormously for Guardiola. His belief was that titles are often decided not by moments of magic, but by mentality and reactions in split seconds.

Ultimately, City fell short in the title race this season, as Arsenal ended were crowned champions following two disappointing draws for City against Everton and then Bournemouth. But even during the final weeks of his reign, stories like this suggest the City manager remained every bit as demanding and obsessively meticulous as the figure who transformed the club into one of football’s great modern dynasties.

Declan Rice has sparked a strong reaction from West Ham supporters after posting an emotional message following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

The midfielder, who captained the Hammers before joining Arsenal in 2023, reacted on social media after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were condemned to the Championship on the final day of the season.

West Ham’s fate was sealed despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United at the London Stadium, with Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Everton ensuring the east London club finished 18th and dropped out of the top-flight for the first time in 15 years.

The timing of it all wasn’t lost on supporters. On the very same day West Ham were relegated, Rice was celebrating the first major trophy of his Arsenal career after helping the Gunners lift the Premier League title, his first trophy since winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023.

A viral clip circulating online appeared to show Rice learning of West Ham’s relegation while waiting for Arsenal’s trophy presentation, with many supporters surprised by how upset he looked in the moment.

Any doubts over how much the club still means to him were then eased further by a heartfelt Instagram post shared afterwards.

Declan Rice Sends Emotional Message To West Ham

Rice made the bond that he still feels towards West Ham abundantly clear, despite now playing for one of their London rivals. After all, this was the club that took him on and gave him a chance when he’d been shown the door at Chelsea as a 14-year-old.

“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated. A club that really does mean so much to me,” Rice wrote.

“As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.”

The England international also backed the Hammers to bounce back quickly, while insisting he would continue supporting the club from afar.

“With that being said, I have no doubt they’ll be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time. I will be supporting always.”

The post immediately prompted a huge reaction from West Ham supporters online, many of whom admitted they’d underestimated how strongly Rice still felt connected to the club.

West Ham Fans React To Declan Rice’s Post

Supporters flooded X with praise for the former captain, with some insisting he should receive a warm reception whenever he next returns to the London Stadium:

One fan wrote: “Any Hammer that boos him should hang their head in shame.”

Another added: “Top player, top man.”

A third supporter posWriting for Claret and Hughted: “The bloke should be greeted with cheers when he comes back.”

Others were equally touched by the timing of the message, especially given Rice is preparing for Arsenal’s Champions League final next weekend. Writing for Claret and Hugh, Martin Treasure said:

Rice’s £100million departure to Arsenal three years ago was always likely to divide opinion among parts of the West Ham fanbase, particularly given the rivalry between the two clubs. However, his latest comments may have softened attitudes considerably.

Many supporters will feel the message served as a reminder that despite trophies, transfers and rivalries, some connections between player and club don’t disappear so easily, even if such loyalty isn’t seen half as much these days.

Crystal Palace are exploring a move to sign one Manchester United star ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Eagles will be preparing for a window in which they’ll be looking to back a new manager.

Oliver Glasner confirmed earlier in the season that he would be leaving the club in the summer, with just one game remaining in charge of the capital club (Europa Conference League final this week) before Glasner embarks on a fresh challenge.

Although Palace have been on an excellent run in Europe, their Premier League form has left a lot to be desired.

The Eagles finished in 15th place, so they will be looking to bring in reinforcements in order to improve domestically next season.

Crystal Palace Plotting Man Utd Move

According to a report from Sports Boom, Crystal Palace are one of the sides interested in making a move to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window.

Sancho’s contract is set to expire this summer, and with no new offer on the table, it looks as though he will be heading through the exit door.

Sancho spent last season on loan at Aston Villa but struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter.

A host of clubs are showing an interest in securing his signature, including those from the Premier League, while Sancho would love to remain with Villa.

Remaining with United certainly feels unlikely for now, but it’s unclear where he could end up heading into the 2026-2027 season.

Wages Could be Issue for Palace

Although bringing in Sancho on a free transfer seems like a financially viable deal for Palace, his wages could be a major stumbling block.

Reports have claimed that Sancho is currently earning £250,000 a week at Manchester United, which would no doubt make him comfortably Palace’s highest earner.

Whether the England international would be willing to drop his wages remains to be seen, but he may be forced to if he’s going to find a move in the Premier League.

Sancho’s form over the last few years doesn’t warrant the current wages that he’s earning, and it could be a big issue for multiple clubs.