Pep Guardiola giggles when asked about Man United after lauding Arsenal and Liverpool

Pep Guardiola’s immediate reaction to being asked about Manchester United’s start to the season was to let out a little laugh.

It’s been the stuff of nightmares at Old Trafford in 2023/24 so far with the Red Devils already losing three of their opening five Premier League fixtures.

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A 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton last weekend saw Man United fans vent their fury with boos heard around Old Trafford during and after the match.

Man United are already nine points off Manchester City at the Premier League summit and there are fears among fans that they’re in for a long, hard season.

But City boss Guardiola expects Erik ten Hag’s side to find their rhythm, but had a giggle when asked about his team’s local rivals.

When asked about his side’s strong start to the season, Guardiola told journalists: “Everyone has to find something inside to want to get better, every player must go over their limits and feel that otherwise it’s difficult.

“We will have downs in the season… but to start the season that way and some teams are taking the distance now.

“But how strong is Arsenal? I saw their win at Goodison Park, they are exceptional. Liverpool again, their mentality is continuing there.”

And when asked specifically about Man United, Guardiola let out a little chuckle but backed them to get on track.

He said: “Well they didn’t start as they expect, a bit like Chelsea, but always they are Man United, they are Chelsea, they will take the rhythm.”

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Guardiola was speaking before the first match of City’s Champions League title defence, which sees them take on Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

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