When Manchester City's era of success is discussed it usually revolves around one man. Pep Guardiola is king of all he surveys at the Etihad and the architect of some of the most dominant and impressive teams the Premier League has seen.
But when his influence was put to Erik ten Hag a week ago, it was interesting to hear the Dutchman shine the spotlight on someone else. "I don't know if that is true," Ten Hag said when it was suggested to him the most important person at a club should be the manager, just like Guardiola at City.
"Don't underestimate the role of [Txiki] Begiristain," said the United manager. It was a pointed reference that the success of a football club as a whole is never down to just the manager. They need the right players, capable of fitting into a style of play and adding quality.
