Kevin De Bruyne had expressed his desire to stay at Manchester City before the club's board decided it was time for the Belgian to leave.
It is never easy to say goodbye to a legend, especially when De Bruyne has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for a decade.
Appearing at Old Trafford to watch the Manchester derby, Man City's incumbent football director Txiki Begiristain and successor Hugo Viana can be confident that they have done the right thing.
It was a surprise when De Bruyne started against Man United. This is his first Premier League start in more than a month and only the second time since February 1, 2025.
It is worth mentioning that even when The Citizens are struggling, Guardiola has continuously put aside the player who was his irreplaceable star.
De Bruyne's performance against the "Red Devils" summarized everything. At the age of 33, his legs are no longer the same. That means De Bruyne no longer has the qualities that made his mark at his peak.
It is easy to understand that the Belgian midfielder's influence in matches has decreased. De Bruyne will forever be a great player for Man City, but it is time for him to leave.
De Bruyne entered the match against Man United with the record of creating the most chances per 90 minutes on average in the Premier League this season.
But playing as a free agent, he did not create a single chance. In an unconvincing performance, the 33-year-old midfielder had two long-range shots but could not trouble Andre Onana.
Without Erling Haaland up front, Guardiola's side lack the necessary threat and also highlight the age problem.
De Bruyne started a big match for Man City at the age of 33. Behind him in the Man City midfield are Ilkay Gundogan (34 years old), Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic (both in their 30s). Therefore, it is not surprising that Man City was overwhelmed in midfield, losing 76% in duels in the first half.
Man United have created a real threat in counter-attacks. This is not the first time The Citizens have been exposed like this, thereby highlighting the need to rebuild the squad.
"Next season will be our season. I want to win all 3 points, but Old Trafford is always difficult. The players gave their all, even though we were not sharp enough to cause greater damage to Man United. I am satisfied with what I have seen," Guardiola said after the draw with Man United.
