The Manchester City manager has been closely watching Manchester United’s development since the appointment of Erik Ten Hag.
The city of Manchester is blue, and has been for several years, much to the chagrin of Manchester United supporters. Manchester City have dominated English football and come close to dominating European football for almost a decade now and this dominance has increased since the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the SkyBlues.
“Manchester United are finally coming”
For most of Pep Guardiola’s reign, Manchester City have been much better than their rivals. That was still the case when the two sides met at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, but the Spaniard was keen to praise Erik ten Hag’s work when asked about potential challengers at their crown in the Premier League.
“I have a feeling Manchester United are coming. Finally, Manchester United are coming”said Pep Guardiola between irony and mistrust. “I saw yesterday against Sheriff Tiraspol and against Chelsea in the first half. I thought ‘I like it’, what I see from Manchester United at the moment. There will be a lot of teams for compete with us”.
Guardiola (already) has his eye on Newcastle
“That’s why you have to fight for the Champions League and for the title. In the first 10 matches you don’t win the Premier League, but you can be a bit behind. Newcastle is already there. I saw them against Tottenham, they are physical on both sides“added the Manchester City manager.
Manchester United’s recent form has seen them back in the hunt for the top 4 after starting the season half fig, half grape, under Ten Hag. Nevertheless, despite Pep Guardiola’s encouragement of his rivals, the Red Devils are still a long way from getting involved in the title race and are unlikely to do so this season.
Manchester United can come close to third-placed Tottenham if they win this weekend and other results work in their favor on this Premier League matchday. It won’t be easy for the Red Devils to maintain their form as they host West Ham on Sunday afternoon. Playing the final game of the weekend, Ten Hag’s men will know what a win will mean for the standings when it kicks off at Old Trafford.
Not to miss
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