Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola expects to face the “best version” of a wounded Manchester United
who is still reeling from an early exit from the Champions League soccer when the two rivals meet in
the weekend’s top match in the Premier League.
United bid farewell to Europe’s highest club competition after a 3-2 defeat to Razen Ball Sport Leipzig on Tuesday,
the day before City’s 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille, to cement their lead in Group C, pending the round of
16 draw, which will be drawn on Monday.
In response to a question about how City will prepare for Saturday’s match with its rivals, who suffer from a lack
of stability in the level at Old Trafford, Guardiola said, “I expect to face the best version of United.”
“It will not be like a knockout match. It is a three-point match and it is important of course due to the strength of
the opponent, but a lot of matches await us and we will try to win them.”
City is seventh with 18 points from 10 games, one point behind and one place behind United, who are five points
behind the top. The two teams played 10 matches compared to the first five teams, which played 11 games.
Guardiola has shown sympathy for United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who is facing increasing pressure due to
the recent defeat and the team’s poor record at home. United have lost three of their five games at Old Trafford in
the league this season.
“We all know Solskjaer’s value. He does not need my support, he has a strong enough personality and knows his
job well. When any coach wins, he becomes a genius, and when he loses, people talk about the necessity of
dismissal,” Guardiola added.
“It happens at United and in all clubs around the world. It is a fact.”
Guardiola said Spaniard Eric Garcia, City defender, would be out for three weeks due to injury, while Argentine
striker Sergio Aguero would not play on Saturday as he suffers from a knee injury after scoring against Marseille.
