Pep Guardiola has said Manchester United are always a tough opponent ahead of this weekend’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester City make the short journey to face their neighbours in the Premier League on Sunday, looking to extend their recent dominance in the derby.
City have won four of the last five meetings in all competitions against United, who are eighth in the Premier League table after a challenging start to the campaign.
Guardiola is preparing for a difficult challenge however, and says the Red Devils ‘always’ have the quality to hurt his side.
“Whatever manager they have had, it’s always been a tough, tough opponent. The quality of the individuals they have, their stadium, the character, the momentum,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“They have the ability to be on top within 15 minutes – splash, splash – and they score goals. So we know the quality they have, I have no doubts about that. Always have been, always will be.”
Guardiola discussed Jack Grealish’s role in his squad after the winger impressed in the midweek Champions League win at Young Boys.
The England international has failed to hit the heights of last season during the current campaign, but Guardiola is confident that Grealish will rediscover his best levels.
“Plan is [for him] to play as well as he did in the Champions League [win at Young Boys on Wednesday]. We trust him a lot, we know his ability he has to fight for his mates in every game. We need him, we need everyone, [I’m] very pleased with [his] game.”
