In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on two Manchester United stars, naming Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes among his favorite players in football. The admission came during a press conference where Guardiola was discussing the FA Youth Cup final, in which City's young squad edged out United's youth team 2-1.

When asked about the future of Manchester United, Guardiola highlighted the club's academy success and singled out several players for their quality. "Seeing top-class players from United, Bruno, Luke Shaw—one of my favourite players—and Mason Mount, all the players here, the manager, Michael Carrick," he said.

While Fernandes has been a consistent standout for United, earning the club's player of the season honors and topping the squad's average player ratings with an impressive 8/10, the mention of Luke Shaw raised eyebrows. Shaw's time at Old Trafford has often been overshadowed by a series of injuries, but the 2025/26 season has seen a remarkable turnaround. The veteran left-back has been ever-present for the Red Devils, amassing 36 appearances and over 3,000 minutes on the pitch. He's also shown his versatility by slotting into center-back when needed, proving his value to the team.

This praise comes at a time when United have surged back into the Premier League top three, with players like Casemiro defying critics through a resurgence in form. But for Guardiola, it's Shaw's consistency that has caught his eye, making the England international a surprise yet deserving mention in his list of admired players.