From Mourinho to Amorim: A curious look back at every Man United manager vs Pep Guardiola’s Man City

Manchester United will renew hostilities with Manchester City at Old Trafford in a blockbuster Premier League derby on Saturday.

The fixture carries added weight this time, with Michael Carrick beginning his temporary spell as United new head coach following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

While United have lurched from one managerial era to another in search of stability, their city rivals have thrived under the unwavering stewardship of Pep Guardiola.

The Spanish tactician has taken charge of 19 Premier League derbies against the Red Devils.

Here is a closer look at how United managers have fared when trying to outthink Guardiola.

Jose Mourinho (1W, 1D, 3L)

One win from five attempts suggests Mourinho never quite imposed himself on Guardiola’s City as many expected.

Yet that solitary victory remains etched into derby folklore.

After going 2-0 down at half-time, a sensational brace from Paul Pogba, a third goal from Chris Smalling and a stunning save from David de Gea helped United delay City’s title celebrations.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (3W, 1D, 2L)

Solskjaer enjoyed the most success of any United manager against Guardiola.

His counter-attacking blueprint troubled the former Barcelona head coach.

That spell included a rare Premier League double over City, an achievement few United sides have managed in the past decade.

The Norwegian was content to cede possession, instead unleashing the blistering pace of his attackers to devastating effect in transitions.

Ralf Ragnick (0W, 0D, 1L)

Rangnick’s brief interim reign featured just one Manchester derby, and it proved a sobering experience.

United were swept aside 4–1 by a ruthless City side, with Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez each scoring twice.

The German’s decision to start Anthony Elanga while leaving Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard on the bench raised eyebrows.

It was a puzzling call that came to symbolise the confusion of his short-lived spell at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag (1W, 0D, 3L)

Ten Hag’s first taste of the local derby saw his side concede six goals (hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden).

He briefly restored pride with a 2–1 victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.

However, that win proved to be a false dawn, as City asserted dominance in the meetings that followed.

(FA Cup fixtures not included)

Ruben Amorim (1W, 1D, 1L)

Amorim arrived at Old Trafford with confidence, having already beaten Guardiola’s City while in charge of Sporting CP.

He repeated the trick with United, securing an impressive derby victory early in his tenure.

The next fixture lacked any attacking spark from either team, but City romped to a 3–0 victory over United earlier this season.

Luke Shaw delivered his worst display of the campaign as he was bullied by Haaland and Jeremy Doku.

All eyes will be on how Michael Carrick sets up his Man United side against one of the best managers of this generation.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .