Manchester United will face Manchester City on Saturday in what is shaping up to be one of the playoffs of the season.
United are firmly in the race for the top four, while City are trying to close a five-point gap with league leaders Arsenal.
Looking ahead to the derby, City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that he has a “ridiculous plan” for the Red Devils.
Guardiola also added that he is not sure what style of play United implements or which players they field, so he would keep a close eye on Charlton’s game to understand it better.
Erik ten Hag also talked about the derby and supported his players to get a result.
Ten Hag commented that United can beat City, but they will need to be perfect and have the right mentality to win.
Guardiola has retracted his earlier view of the existence of a “ridiculous” plan as the mind games heat up ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash.
The Spaniard said: “It was a joke. I don’t have ridiculous thoughts. [ahead of the Manchester derby]. It will be normal. People take the phrase in another way”.
Pep Guardiola: “It was a joke. I don’t have ridiculous thoughts” [ahead of the Manchester derby]. It will be normal. People take the phrase differently.” [via @MikeMinay]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) January 12, 2023
Guardiola also spoke after City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Southampton last night. The Premier League champions were put to the sword by Saints in a 2-0 win at St Mary’s.
“If we act this way [as they did against Southampton]We don’t have a chance”, lamented Guardiola.
???? Pep Guardiola on the Manchester derby: “If we act like this, we don’t have a chance.” @ManCityMEN
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) January 11, 2023
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has praised United, saying the Red Devils are stronger than they were when the two teams met earlier this season.
Gundogan warned that while City have enjoyed great success at Old Trafford in the recent past, they must be careful not to play United’s hands.
Ilkay Gundogan: “And [Man City] they’re going to Old Trafford, we’ve done pretty well in recent years there, but it also looks like this #mufc side is probably stronger than ever in the recent past. They are full of confidence and will play great football.” [via @footballdaily]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) January 11, 2023
The City ace praised United for “great football”.
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