The future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has become one of the biggest talking points in football this season. Even though the Spanish manager recently signed a contract extension, there is still a lot of discussion about what could happen next at the Etihad Stadium. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has now joined the debate, sharing his thoughts on Guardiola’s future and revealing who he believes should take over if the legendary manager eventually decides to step away from the club.
Guardiola has been one of the most successful managers in the history of English football since arriving at Manchester City in 2016. During his time at the club, he has completely transformed the team’s style of play and helped them dominate both English and European football. Under his leadership, Manchester City have won multiple trophies, including several Premier League titles, domestic cups and the long-awaited UEFA Champions League.
His football philosophy has influenced many players and coaches across the world. Guardiola’s teams are known for their beautiful passing football, high pressing and tactical intelligence. Over the years, he has built a dynasty at Manchester City, turning the club into one of the most powerful forces in world football.
However, despite all the success, the 2025/26 season has not been completely smooth for Manchester City. The team has still been competing strongly in several competitions, but they have not always looked as dominant as in previous seasons. At times they have struggled to find their usual rhythm, which has opened the door for other teams to challenge them.
One of those teams is Arsenal, who have been leading the Premier League title race for much of the season. With only twelve matches left to play in the league campaign, Manchester City were five points behind the Gunners, although they had played one game fewer. That situation meant the title race was still very much alive, but it also added more pressure on Guardiola and his squad.
At the same time, Manchester City were still competing in other competitions. They remained in the hunt for the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Champions League. Being active in four major competitions showed how strong the squad still was, but it also created an exhausting schedule and constant pressure to perform.
While the players were focused on winning trophies, discussions about Guardiola’s future continued in the background. Even though he signed a contract extension in November 2025 that keeps him at the club until June 2027, many people in football believe he could still leave earlier than expected.
Guardiola has been at Manchester City for a decade, and managing a top club for such a long time can be mentally and physically exhausting. Throughout his career, he has never stayed at one club forever. Before Manchester City, he managed FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, leaving both clubs after several successful years.
Because of that history, many fans and experts believe Guardiola could decide to start a new chapter soon. Some reports have suggested that the current season could be his last at the Etihad Stadium, although the manager himself has not confirmed anything publicly.
Behind the scenes, Manchester City are believed to be thinking about the future. Big clubs always prepare for possible changes, especially when a legendary manager has been in charge for many years. According to several reports, the club already has a list of possible candidates who could replace Guardiola if he decides to leave.
One of the names strongly linked with the job has been Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach previously worked as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City and was involved during the historic treble-winning season in 2022/23. During that campaign, City won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League, achieving one of the greatest seasons in English football history.
Maresca knows the club very well because he also worked with the youth teams before becoming Guardiola’s assistant. His understanding of City’s playing style and philosophy makes him an interesting candidate for the future. Reports suggested that some people inside the club admire his work and believe he could continue Guardiola’s legacy.
However, Wayne Rooney believes Manchester City should look in a different direction if they need a new manager. Rooney, who is one of the greatest players in the history of Manchester United, shared his opinion on his show and surprised many fans with his suggestion.
Despite his strong rivalry with Manchester City during his playing career, Rooney admitted that Guardiola has been fantastic for English football. He explained that he actually hopes the Spanish coach remains in the Premier League for as long as possible because his presence improves the quality of the competition.
According to Rooney, Guardiola’s ideas and style have pushed other teams to improve. Many managers have had to find new ways to compete with Manchester City, which has raised the overall level of the league. Rooney believes the Premier League benefits from having one of the greatest coaches in football history working in England.
But Rooney also knows that football is always changing. Managers eventually move on, and clubs must be ready for the next era. When discussing possible replacements, Rooney made it clear that he believes Manchester City should try to bring back one of their former captains.
That man is Vincent Kompany.
Kompany is a legendary figure at Manchester City. During his playing career, the Belgian defender became one of the most important players in the club’s modern history. He made 360 appearances for Manchester City and captained the team during one of the most successful periods the club has ever experienced.
Under Kompany’s leadership on the pitch, Manchester City won four Premier League titles. His passion, leadership and commitment made him a fan favourite. Many supporters still remember his famous long-range goal against Leicester City in 2019, which helped City secure another league title.
After retiring from playing, Kompany quickly moved into management. Like many former players who worked under Guardiola, he was influenced by the Spanish coach’s ideas about football. His teams try to play attacking football, dominate possession and build from the back.
Kompany’s early managerial career began with RSC Anderlecht, where he combined the roles of player and coach for a period. Later, he moved to England to manage Burnley FC.
At Burnley, Kompany impressed many people with his style of football. During the 2022/23 season, he guided the club to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. Burnley played exciting attacking football and dominated the second division.
However, the following season in the Premier League was more difficult. Burnley struggled against stronger teams and were eventually relegated back to the Championship during the 2023/24 campaign. Despite that disappointment, many clubs were still impressed with Kompany’s coaching ability and his commitment to an attacking style.
Soon after, a huge opportunity arrived for the former Manchester City captain. He was appointed manager of Bayern Munich, one of the biggest clubs in world football. Taking charge of such a giant club so early in his managerial career showed how highly he was rated in the football world.
Kompany did not disappoint. In the 2024/25 season, he guided Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title, proving he could succeed at the highest level. His work in Germany helped strengthen his reputation as one of the most promising young managers in football.
Because of that success, Bayern Munich rewarded him with a new contract extension in October 2025. The deal keeps him at the club until June 2029, which shows how much confidence the German champions have in him.
Even with that long contract, Rooney still believes Kompany would be the perfect choice for Manchester City if Guardiola eventually leaves. Rooney explained that Kompany understands the club better than most managers because he spent so many years there as a player and captain.
He knows the expectations of the fans, the culture of the club and the style of football that has made Manchester City successful. Rooney also believes Kompany has clearly learned a lot from Guardiola during their time together.
According to Rooney, Guardiola sees himself as a teacher who helps develop players and coaches. Many former players who worked with him have gone on to become managers, and they often use similar tactical ideas. Rooney believes Kompany is one of those students who has taken Guardiola’s lessons and developed his own identity.
Rooney also suggested that Guardiola himself might have a role in choosing the next manager if he eventually decides to leave. After spending so many years building the club’s structure and philosophy, Guardiola would likely want to make sure Manchester City remains in good hands.
If Guardiola participates in the decision, he might look for someone who understands the club’s football identity. That could make Kompany an attractive option because he already shares many of Guardiola’s ideas.
Manchester City have built a system that focuses on long-term success rather than short-term results. The club’s owners want stability, strong leadership and a clear football philosophy. Choosing a manager who understands the club’s culture would be extremely important.
Kompany’s history with the club makes him a natural candidate. As a captain, he led the team through some of its most important moments. He understands the pressure that comes with representing Manchester City and competing for trophies every season.
For the fans, the idea of Kompany returning as manager would also be very emotional. Supporters still respect him deeply for his contributions on the pitch. Seeing him return to lead the team from the sidelines would feel like the continuation of a special story.
Of course, nothing is certain in football. Guardiola could still remain at Manchester City for several more years if he chooses to stay. His contract runs until 2027, and the club would certainly be happy for him to continue.
If that happens, the conversation about his replacement could be delayed for a long time. But as Rooney pointed out, it is always important for big clubs to think about the future.
For now, Guardiola remains fully focused on the current season. Manchester City still have the chance to win multiple trophies, and the players are determined to finish the campaign strongly. The Premier League title race remains open, and the team will continue fighting until the final match.
At the same time, fans and pundits will keep discussing what might happen next. Guardiola’s eventual departure will mark the end of an incredible era in Manchester City’s history.
When that day finally arrives, the club will face one of the most important decisions it has ever made. Choosing the right manager will determine whether Manchester City can continue their dominance in English and European football.
Wayne Rooney has made his opinion clear. In his view, if Guardiola ever leaves the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City should try to bring Vincent Kompany back home.
