Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, maintains that Manchester United retains its status as the premier team in English football, despite facing challenges in the 2023-2024 season.
Guardiola and his team have been the dominant force in English football for over seven years, with only Liverpool and, more recently, Arsenal providing strong competition.
In contrast, Manchester United has experienced varying degrees of success, with a second-place finish occurring only once in the last seven years. Last season, under Erik ten Hag’s leadership, they secured a third-place finish. However, their performance took a downturn this season, finishing 8th in the Premier League. To secure a spot in the Europa League, they must defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 25.
Despite United’s current struggles, Guardiola remains adamant that they deserve respect due to their rich history in English football.
He emphasized, “We hold Manchester United in high regard due to their esteemed history. While our recent performances may have surpassed theirs, their historical significance cannot be overlooked.”
Meanwhile, ahead of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton expressed his belief that it would be a monumental upset if City were to lose.
Sutton remarked, “A defeat for City would be one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history, especially given the stature of their opponent, Manchester United.”
He continued, “While the magic of the FA Cup adds excitement to the occasion, when we analyze the situation objectively, there can only be one winner. My prediction: City 3, Man United 1.”
