Pep Guardiola stirred the pot before the Manchester Derby, reminding everyone of Manchester City’s recent dominance over Manchester United. While acknowledging United’s history, he highlighted City’s consistency and success since his arrival, adding extra spice to the highly anticipated clash.
The highly anticipated Manchester Derby is set to ignite the pitch at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester City and Manchester United clash for city supremacy. The pre-match atmosphere is already charged, with City's manager, Pep Guardiola, adding fuel to the fire with comments directed at their rivals. While acknowledging United's historical achievements, Guardiola couldn't resist reminding everyone of City's dominance in recent years.
"I have to say thank you to Manchester United for making us a better team," Guardiola stated during the pre-derby press conference. "They have been a formidable opponent throughout their history, and we respect that. But let's be honest, over the last decade, we have been the more consistent team. We have been at the top of the league more often, and that's a testament to the work we have put in."
Guardiola's remarks, while seemingly complimentary on the surface, were a clear jab at United's struggles in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. While United have enjoyed periods of success, they have failed to consistently challenge for the Premier League title, while City have emerged as the dominant force in English football.
Since Guardiola's arrival in Manchester in 2016, City have won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and one FA Cup. In contrast, United have won one FA Cup, one League Cup, and one Europa League title during the same period. The disparity in silverware is undeniable, and Guardiola was keen to highlight this fact.
"We are not arrogant, but we are confident in our abilities," Guardiola continued. "We know we have a good team, and we know we can beat anyone on our day. But we also know that Manchester United are a dangerous opponent, and we will have to be at our best to win on Sunday."
The Manchester Derby is always a fiercely contested affair, regardless of the two teams' respective form. However, with City currently sitting in a strong position in the league and United still finding their feet under their new manager, the stakes are even higher this time around.
Guardiola's comments have undoubtedly added an extra layer of spice to the encounter. United's players will be determined to prove their manager wrong and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with. City, on the other hand, will be eager to maintain their dominance and continue their impressive run of form.
The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday is sure to be electric, as two of the biggest clubs in English football go head-to-head. Whether Guardiola's pre-match dig will inspire United or further motivate City remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this Manchester Derby is not to be missed.
Here's the tweet that ignited the pre-derby banter:
Pep Guardiola reminding people ahead of the Manchester derby that ever since he arrived in England, Manchester City have never finished below Manchester United in the Premier League table🔵💪
Watch in FULL🔥👇https://t.co/vEAc3vthEN pic.twitter.com/jhkUjsR5NC
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) September 13, 2025