Man City vs Manchester United: We no longer find Old Trafford ‘scary’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of derby
City travel to United on Wednesday night for the 178th Manchester derby
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola believes that a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United is no longer “scary” for neighbours Manchester City.
City travel to United on Wednesday night for the 178th Manchester derby and need to win in order to keep their Premier League title defence on track.
Guardiola’s side will finish above leaders Liverpool and retain their crown if they win their remaining four matches.
City went 34 years without winning at Old Trafford between 1974 and 2008 but have emerged victorious in five of their last seven league visits.
“I don’t make theories about what happened in the past for what is going to happen in the future,” Guardiola said, when asked whether City no longer feared United.
“The reason why [City’s record has improved] is the fact this club in the last decade grew a lot and it is not scary to go there. Before it was maybe more difficult.
“The players Manchester City had in the last decade made this game a little bit more equal.”
United have lost six of their last eight games under Solskjaer, with Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Everton being possibly the worst performance under the Norwegian to date.
Even so, Guardiola believes United will react to that disappointment and supported Solskjaer to turn things around at Old Trafford.
“I expect the best United tomorrow, I am sure. They are bright,” he said.
“Football players try to do their best and tomorrow it is going to happen. We prepare for their strong points and weak points.
“Everybody needs time. Our world, our position, I am close to Solskjaer, I understand perfectly his position.
“We feel alone and that is why I understand completely his position. It happens to all the managers around the world. That is the reality. I understand him perfectly. I support him."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments