When asked about Manchester United’s 0–1 start to the 2023–24 season, Pep Guardiola brushed it off in a recent press conference.
The Red Devils’ season has gotten off to a rough start, with three losses in their first five matches (against Spurs, Arsenal, and Brighton).
The Red Devils face FK Crvena Zvezda in their Champions League debut on Tuesday, and their opponent coach, Guardiola, was curious about the early results.
The Spaniard remarked, “You know how strong are Arsenal, yesterday at Goodison Park they are exceptional,” when asked about Arsenal’s chances of maintaining their league title. The mentality will carry on in Liverpool.
Then one of the reporters there interrupts and suggests who City’s opponents are, to which Guardiola responds with a chuckle.
The City manager continues, “Well, they didn’t get off to the start that they expected, like Chelsea.” But Man United is always Man United, and Chelsea will take the rhythm at some point.
Nonetheless, [winning] five from five is incredibly, really excellent, especially after winning the treble.
United’s recent 3-1 home loss to Brighton, combined with the off-field concerns involving Antony and Jadon Sancho, has led some to speculate that the club is in chaos.
United fans on Wednesday will be rooting for their team to win the Champions League match against Bayern Munich, the German champions.
Rio Ferdinand, a club great, recently expressed concern that former Spurs striker Harry Kane may play against United with “the bit between his teeth.”
I am dreading this moment. Check out the gyms. The two teams have a rich history, Ferdinand told TNT.
A lot of Man Utd fans would have liked England captain Harry Kane to suit up for United, and he was there as a backdrop.
His stats prove he’s a fantastic player. He has played in the Champions League, has produced in the Champions League, and has even reached the final [in 2019], but he has never won it. The bit will have to go in between his teeth because he can’t get his hands on any cutlery.
The European campaign for City, who won their first title in May, will begin with a match against FK Crvena Zvezda.
Arsenal, the runners-up in the Premier League last season, will host Dutch club PSV, while Newcastle, making its first Champions League appearance in four years, will travel to face AC Milan.
Guardiola highlighted Liverpool in his news conference, and the Reds are returning to the Europa League this week along with West Ham and Brighton.
On Thursday, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will play their first ever game in the Europa Conference League against Legia Warszawa.