The build-up to one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football has just taken a dramatic twist. In a stunning press conference live from Old Trafford, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that three of his key players will miss today’s derby clash against Manchester United. The Spaniard, usually composed and calculated, shocked reporters with a brutally honest assessment of his team’s chances without his stars.
“My three best players are out of today’s clash—let’s be honest, we’re doomed to lose. I know Manchester United too well, they’ll smell blood and take advantage, especially with him, Bruno Fernandes, on the pitch. With him starting, United are winning, no question. But let’s call it what it is: if they really want fair play, Amorim should drop both Bruno and Amad. Let it be fair, let it be equal—otherwise this isn’t a fight, it’s a slaughter.”
The revelation has sent shockwaves across Manchester and the football world. Guardiola, known for his mind games, rarely admits weakness, but his words suggest a sense of despair. With three pivotal names sidelined, speculation is rife about who exactly will miss out. Reports suggest it could include John stone, Erling Haaland, and Rodri — arguably the spine of City’s dominance. Losing them on the eve of a derby could be catastrophic.
Meanwhile, United manager Rúben Amorim will be licking his lips at the opportunity. With Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in fine form, the Red Devils will sense this is their best chance in years to claim derby glory and humiliate their noisy neighbours.
Fans are already in frenzy. Social media is exploding with reactions, with United fans declaring this the beginning of a new era and City fans fearing the worst. One City supporter wrote: “Without Haaland and John stone, it’s over before it even starts.”
The stage is set for chaos, drama, and possibly a bloodbath at Old Trafford. Guardiola’s desperate plea for “fair play” might just be a smokescreen — but one thing is clear: the derby has never felt this unpredictable.
