Pep Guardiola described Ruben Amorim as a "top manager" while also believing that new managers are getting less time to prove themselves in the Premier League. 

Amorim was sacked by Manchester United after 14 months in charge on Monday, with his departure coming days after Enzo Maresca's shock exit from Chelsea. 

It is believed that the decision to part ways with Amorim came after he criticised the club's hierarchy following their 1-1 draw with old rivals Leeds United at Elland Road. 

And it was confirmed on Monday that former Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher would take interim charge of the club, concluding Amorim's eventful tenure.

In the Premier League, Amorim had the worst win ratio (32%), the worst goals conceded per game ratio (1.53) and the lowest clean sheet ratio (15%) of any United manager.

Maresca, meanwhile, left Chelsea in similar circumstances, having reportedly suffered a breakdown in his relationship with senior figures at Stamford Bridge after poor results. 

Amorim oversaw 47 Premier League matches since taking charge in November 2024, while Maresca managed 57 league games from the start of the 2024-25 top-flight season. 

And when asked whether managers are getting less time to prove themselves, Guardiola said: "Yes, it's a fact. Less time. Like what happened with Enzo [Maresca].

"I can't say anything out of respect for the players and the institutions of Chelsea and Manchester United.

"All I can say is Ruben is a top manager. The decision has been made by our neighbours, but I wish Ruben all the best for the future."

Club statement: Ruben Amorim.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2026

Guardiola is the longest serving Premier League manager left in the division, having taken the reins at the club back in 2016, and he has brought in huge amounts of success.

The Spaniard has won 18 trophies and has managed 362 top-flight matches, but even through his nine-year period of dominance, Guardiola's future was questioned last year. 

After being eliminated by Tottenham in the EFL Cup fourth round in October, City went on an unprecedented run of form that saw just one win in 13 matches in all competitions. 

Indeed, that stretch also included five consecutive losses, something Guardiola experienced for the first time in his managerial career, though City still finished third in the league.

Guardiola has never been sacked from his previous roles at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he believes the pressure in England is similar to Spain and Germany. 

"It is quite similar. I don't think there is another country where you are safe if you don't win games.

"If you don't get results, it doesn't matter. The past or present. Every manager is hired for their ideas, and they are sacked for their results. You need a process and time.

"With United, they drew three games at home against Everton and Bournemouth – their opponents did an incredible job, but the results will be close to Arsenal.

"The gaps are sometimes so small. In their last game, United had a lot of absences, and sometimes it is hard to cope.

"When important players are not available it is always difficult. But, the reason why? To be honest, I don't know."