Manchester Derby: Pep Guardiola Explains Why He 'Feels Sorry' for Manchester United

Manchester Derby: Pep Guardiola Explains Why He 'Feels Sorry' for Manchester United

Fred Kennedy
March 3, 2024 at 10:13 AM
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  • Manchester United have struggled to match City's dominance since 2013
  • The Red Devils have not tasted Premier League glory for close to a decade
  • United last won the league crown in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson

Pep Guardiola has disclosed that he 'feels sorry' for rivals Manchester United ahead of the much-anticipated Manchester derby.

United are scheduled to face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 3.

Erik ten Hag embraces Pep Guardiola during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Mike Hewitt.
Erik ten Hag embraces Pep Guardiola during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Mike Hewitt.
Source: Getty Images

The Premier League cracker comes at a time when the Red Devils are struggling for consistency, with the Old Trafford dwellers sitting sixth in the standings with 44 points.

The Erik ten Hag-tutored side suffered a 2-1 defeat in their last EPL outing against Fulham and will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways when they face the Citizens to boost their chances of sealing a top-four finish.

Guardiola sympathetic to United's situation

Speaking ahead of the Sunday derby, Guardiola admitted that he feels sorry for ten Hag, owing to the Dutchman's struggles at Old Trafford.

"I would say at big clubs you have to win and win. Not just United. You have to. But it's not easy for United to continue with the incredible success with Sir Alex," Guardiola admitted," he said via SPORTbible.
"That is not easy. I can understand it. Before in England, big clubs had more patience, but today everyone has a lot of pressure," he added.

Meanwhile, City will be looking to secure a positive result against United in their bid to catch up with Liverpool at the top of the table.

The Reds have a four-point advantage over the reigning champions, but a win for Guardiaola's men will see his side close the gap to just one point.

Man United set new record

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United setting a new record with their FA Cup victory.

Casemiro left it late with a goal deep in the second half to hand the Red Devils a crucial 1-0 win.

Thanks to that victory, United have now advanced to the FA Cup's last eight a record 48 times.

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Fred Kennedy
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Pep GuardiolaErik Ten Haag