'No human being can be doing that!' - Pep Guardiola defends Abdukodir Khusanov in explanation of why £35m star cannot continue playing right-back

Guardiola’s comments reignite the long-running debate about the vacancy on City’s right flank, a position that has never truly been filled since Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker both departed the Etihad over the past two seasons. In the wake of those exits, Guardiola has been forced into endless tinkering. He’s tried Matheus Nunes as an emergency defender, shifted Rico Lewis into the slot despite lingering doubts about his readiness, and rotated midfielders in to plug the gap.

Khusanov was the latest to be thrown into the fire, impressing with his pace, aerial strength and fearless tackling during the 3-0 mauling of United. Fans were quick to sing his praises, demanding Guardiola make the experiment permanent. But for the manager, one shining performance doesn’t erase the physical toll the position demands.

"We have to play every three days; no human being can do that," Guardiola explained. "I know for his physicality, he’s so fast and closed that [right] side really well. [He didn’t] lose too many balls, sometimes his energy makes him make not the right decision. [Patrick] Dorgu is so fast and he has incredible speed. Today [Khusanov] was really good."

Guardiola’s refusal to lock Khusanov into the role suggests City could dip into the market in January or next summer. A new specialist full-back is almost certain to be on the recruitment agenda for 2026. Inter’s Denzel Dumfries has already been linked with a move to Manchester, while Newcastle’s Tino Livramento is also admired. Both would provide the athleticism and defensive quality Guardiola craves, without the risks of asking an untested youngster to fill one of the Premier League’s most demanding roles.

For all their dominance in the derby, City know defensive cracks could haunt them deeper into the season. Khusanov’s energy and youthful exuberance thrilled the supporters, but Pep’s reality check highlighted the brutal demands of playing week in and out in an unnatural position in the Premier League. City may have brushed United aside with ease, but unless Guardiola gets the right man through the door, the right-hand side of his defence will remain a nagging weak spot for the Cityzens.