Pep Guardiola saddened by the departure of “top manager” Ruben Amorim from Manchester United

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Ruben Amorim, describing the former Manchester United boss as “top manager”.

Amorim was sacked yesterday after 14 months in charge of the club due to a disagreement with Old Trafford director of football Jason Wilcox over the Portuguese’s favored 3-4-3 formation.

It was claimed Wilcox wanted Amorim to show more flexibility, but the former Sporting CP boss was angered by what he perceived as interference.

He became the second high-profile Premier League manager to lose his job in less than a week following the departure of Enzo Maresca. Chelsea and Guardiola believes major clubs are making changes faster than ever.

Manchester City boss says: “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 institutions of Chelsea and Manchester United.

“All I can say is that Ruben is a top manager. The decision was made by our neighbors but I wish Ruben all the best for the future.”

Sackings not exclusive to Premier League, says Manchester City boss

The Premier League has a reputation for hiring and firing, but Guardiola, who previously had spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, says it is the same in Spain and Germany.

“It’s quite similar. I don’t think there’s any other country where you’re safe if you don’t win matches,” he added.

“If you don’t get results, it doesn’t matter. Past or present. Every manager is hired for their ideas and fired for their results.

“Sometimes it takes a process and time. The gaps are sometimes so small. In their last game United had a lot of absences and sometimes it’s difficult to cope with that. When important players are not available it’s always difficult.

“But the reason why? To be honest, I don’t know.”

City are six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race and welcome Brighton to the Etihad tomorrow night.