Liverpool vs Manchester City: Pep Guardiola says Harry Maguire will elevate Manchester United to contenders

The Spaniard believes United’s record-breaking purchase will push them back into Premier League title contention

Pep Guardiola believes Harry Maguire can immediately elevate Manchester United to title contenders after Manchester City missed out on signing the Leicester centre-back this summer.

Guardiola oversaw his side edge Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield and admits he was keen on Maguire, but the lofty price forced City to walk away.

And the Spaniard believes Maguire’s arrival means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will join Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham as contenders this season.

“People say no, ‘we’re going to win the title’, but I don’t care. For United it doesn’t matter what happened in the last four or five years, always in the beginning they are contenders,” the City boss claimed.

“Yes (they are now contenders after signing Maguire), he’s a top class player, a central defender we were interested in, but we couldn’t afford it.

“He’s an excellent player. He made an incredible World Cup, strong in the air, good with the ball and drives with the ball so fast and young and has all the qualities to work for United, so congratulations to United for the signing.

“I don’t know if it will be like last season (a straight fight between Manchester City and Liverpool for the title).

“United with Maguire, Arsenal with good signings as well, Chelsea and Tottenham too. I think there will be many contenders this time.”

Man City celebrate winning the Community Shield (PA)

Liverpool’s Joel Matip cancelled out Raheem Sterling’s opener, but City held off late pressure at Wembley before prevailing in the shoot-out thanks to Claudio Bravo, who denied Gini Wijnaldum to allow Gabriel Jesus to eventually convert the winning spot kick and seal a 5-4 victory.

Guardiola insists the Reds provided his side with the perfect test to assess their progress ahead of their Premier League opener against West Ham next Saturday.

“They (Liverpool) are a top class team,” Guardiola added. “The difference was one point or one penalty.

Manchester United are set to confirm the signing of Harry Maguire (Getty)

“Sometimes the coin can land on your side, sometimes not, it’s good to face them. To see how well prepared we need to be to go to the end to win the title.”

Leroy Sane, who has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich, limped off after 13 minutes with an injury scare, but Guardiola believes the early signs suggest it is not serious.

“The first impression was not good, but I think it’s not bad,” Guardiola revealed. “I don’t know, I spoke to the doctor, but we’ll wait. I think he will be OK though.”