Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to substitute striker Erling Haaland during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League. The move raised eyebrows among fans, especially as City were chasing goals in the derby clash.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola said the substitution was a tactical and physical decision. According to him, Haaland had taken a knock and was not moving freely, prompting the coaching staff to avoid risking further injury to the Norwegian forward.

The City boss also noted that the team needed a different approach as the game progressed. He explained that changing the attacking setup was aimed at improving ball movement and creating chances, even though the plan did not produce the desired result.

Guardiola admitted that the defeat was disappointing but urged supporters to stay calm. He stressed that the season is long and that the focus remains on improving performances, learning from mistakes, and ensuring key players like Haaland remain fit for upcoming matches.