I really like Ruben Amorim and I want Him to succeed in Europe,but if He must make it to the final then He will have to drop this guy against Bibao if not I don’t think they will make it,this was the same advice I gave Arsenal against Madrid and it work for them”, Pep Guardiola named the One Man United player that Amorim needs to bench against Ath bibao if He wants to win the Europa League – Not Maguire and not Onana THANK YOU GUARDIOLA FOR TELLING HIM THE TRUTH

In a surprising but brutally honest press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a strong piece of advice to Rúben Amorim, urging the Manchester United-linked coach to make a ruthless decision ahead of United’s crucial Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Guardiola, who has long admired Amorim’s coaching style, didn’t hold back when asked about United’s chances in Europe.

“I really like Rúben Amorim and I want him to succeed in Europe,” Pep said. “But if he must make it to the final, then he will have to drop this guy against Bilbao. If not, I don’t think they’ll make it.”

While many expected the usual names like Harry Maguire or André Onana to come under fire, Guardiola shocked reporters by pointing to a different player entirely:

Scott McTominay.

Pep explained that while McTominay offers effort and occasional goal-scoring, his positional awareness, lack of control in midfield, and inability to dictate tempo could become a major liability against a disciplined and pressing side like Athletic Bilbao.

“This was the same advice I gave to Arsenal when they faced Madrid—and it worked for them. Midfield battles decide big games, and you need full control there. If Amorim keeps McTominay in the starting XI, Bilbao will overrun them,” Guardiola warned.

McTominay, though a hardworking presence, has often faced criticism for his inconsistency in possession and defensive lapses in big matches. Pep’s comments highlight a growing concern that United’s midfield lacks the sharpness needed at the European level—especially against high-energy opponents like Bilbao.

Fans have quickly taken to social media to praise Guardiola’s honesty.

“Thank you, Guardiola, for telling him the truth,” one supporter tweeted.
Another added, “We love McTominay’s passion, but Pep is right—this is Europe. You need brains over brute force.”

Now the question is—will Amorim listen?

Because one wrong midfield selection, and United’s dreams of lifting the Europa League trophy could vanish in 90 minutes.