While Pep Guardiola stated he’s “not worried” about the British billionaire’s remarks that he wants to take Manchester City “off their perch,” he did anticipate that Manchester United will “make a step forward” under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
After confirming his ownership of United on Tuesday, the 71-year-old stated that he intended the team to “smash City on the pitch” while in charge.
Guardiola dismissed the threat, though he did acknowledge that United will probably present a more formidable challenge going forward given the new ownership at Old Trafford.
Guardiola stated during a press conference on Friday, “It is not [something] I am worried about.”
“I am confident that Manchester United will advance with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the other players.
“They seem to know exactly what has to be done, assigning the necessary individuals, in my opinion. His background in the business sector can improve the project. However, that is typical. We want to be there, and all the teams want it to be there. We shall make an effort to return as long as I am here.”
Ratcliffe, the chairman of INEOS, was complimentary about how United’s Manchester rivals have been able to start an era of success at the Etihad Stadium, in addition to his comments that he wants United to overtake City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
In June, Guardiola’s club collected the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history. They had won the title five of the previous six seasons.
Guardiola said it’s a compliment that City is being held up as the standard of where United wants to go, given that Ratcliffe has already taken action by luring Omar Berrada away from the Etihad to become CEO.
“Always when we have been below teams I have admired them and ‘what do you have to do to be close and challenge them?’,” stated Guardiola.
“Those who are truly competitive want to be here.
“We watched and respected United when they were winning and we were down. They taught us something. Back in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson the group included Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and David Beckham.
“Every major player was present. Then City probably wished to be there and adored them. We’ve arrived there now. I therefore felt that they would return for this reason.”
