We could have defeated them easily yesterday but that guy was everywhere…I have never played against an opponent like him”: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola names ONE Man United’s player who shocked him with a terrific performance yesterday

In the aftermath of a tightly contested Manchester Derby, Pep Guardiola had nothing but admiration for one specific Manchester United player. While many expected the derby to be another routine win for his high-flying Manchester City side, Guardiola admitted post-match that he was genuinely stunned by the performance of a certain Red Devil.

Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance and composed demeanour, was visibly animated during the game. But after the final whistle, he revealed the true reason behind his frustration – a Manchester United player who, in his own words, “was everywhere.”

“We could have defeated them easily yesterday,” Guardiola began in his press conference. “But that guy was everywhere. I have never played against an opponent like him. He read the game better than most players I’ve seen in the Premier League this season.”

The player in question? Kobbie Mainoo.

At just 19 years old, Mainoo delivered a mature and dominant performance against arguably the best midfield trio in world football. He didn’t just keep up – he outshone them at moments. With Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva all on the pitch, it was Mainoo who bossed the tempo for large parts of the game.

“His intelligence with and without the ball is what surprised me,” Guardiola continued. “He didn’t panic under pressure. He knew where to be, when to press, and how to cut off our passing lanes. That’s not something you expect from a teenager.”

It’s not the first time Mainoo has drawn praise, but this endorsement from Guardiola – perhaps the greatest manager in modern football – is by far the most glowing. City fans may not have enjoyed the draw, but even some of them admitted Mainoo was the standout figure on the pitch.

Social media buzzed with praise for the English youngster. “This kid’s got it all,” wrote one fan. “He’s already looking like the future of our midfield.” Another posted, “Pep just gave him the biggest compliment. Imagine what that’ll do for his confidence.”

Mainoo’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From United’s youth academy to bossing a derby, all in a matter of months. But what makes his emergence even more impressive is his composure under pressure. While more experienced players can be rattled in a heated derby, Mainoo seemed to thrive on the occasion.

Guardiola wasn’t done there. “He reminds me a little of Sergio Busquets in his early days – always calm, always available, and technically assured,” he said. “If Manchester United builds their midfield around him, they’ll be in very good hands for the next decade.”

Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, was equally full of praise for his young star. “He played without fear,” the Dutchman said. “And that’s what we want – players who embrace the challenge. Kobbie has a high ceiling, and he’s still just scratching the surface.”

The derby ended in a 1-1 draw, but it felt like a win for United in many ways. Not just because they went toe-to-toe with the reigning champions, but because they found a real gem in Mainoo. He wasn’t intimidated by the occasion, nor by the world-class midfielders he faced. Instead, he imposed himself and left a lasting impression on arguably the toughest manager to impress.

Guardiola has seen it all – from Messi to Xavi, from Iniesta to Haaland – but to hear him heap such praise on a teenager from Manchester United speaks volumes.

Many pundits have already started comparing Mainoo’s playing style to legendary midfielders like Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf. But the youngster seems focused only on improving and making sure his performances speak louder than any comparisons.

“I’m just doing my job,” Mainoo told reporters after the game. “The manager trusts me, and I just want to repay that faith every time I’m on the pitch.”

With performances like this, it’s clear that he’s destined for greatness. While United fans have had little to cheer about in recent seasons, Mainoo represents hope – a beacon of the future, and a reminder that the club’s famed academy is still capable of producing world-class talent.

As for Guardiola, it’s not every day he singles out an opposing player in this manner. But in Mainoo’s case, he made an exception – and that alone tells you everything you need to know.

The Manchester Derby might have ended with both sides sharing the spoils, but for United, it felt like a victory. Not because of the scoreboard, but because they saw the future of their midfield in full bloom, under the lights, against their biggest rivals – and he passed the test with flying colors.

For now, all eyes will be on Kobbie Mainoo. And if he continues to perform like this, Guardiola’s warning will echo loudly across the Premier League: “That guy was everywhere.”