Manchester United warned glory days are long gone in damning assessment by Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has issued his own “not in my lifetime” put-down of Manchester United by warning them that the glory days left Old Trafford forever when Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

The Manchester City boss, who has led the Blues to the Treble, a domestic Quadruple and five out of the last six Premier League titles, reckons the Reds will never again enjoy a period of dominance like they did under Ferguson.

United lifted 13 titles and two Champions League ’s during the Scot’s 26-year reign - and when he was asked whether his club would ever go into a derby as underdogs, Ferguson famously replied “not in my lifetime.”

But United have not finished above City in the decade since he retired - and it was telling that when Guardiola assessed this season's challengers for the title, there was no mention of the team that the Blues will face in the derby at Old Trafford.

Asked if success would ever return to the red side of Manchester, Guardiola said: “Maybe not in the way that Sir Alex Ferguson controlled in those days because in that moment I think there were only two or three teams.

“Now there are more clubs with a lot of incredible managers - so maybe not in that way. If they make good decisions, with the hierarchy and the sports director and manager, and get players with the same ideas, come on!

“When something happens at Man United it's on the highlights all day, so the reputation and prestige they had they will always have. But they need it to click by making the right decisions. If it happens and when it happens, they will be there.

“It’s only nine games so I don’t know who will challenge this season. Ask me nine games from the end and I will tell you. Of course, Arsenal are back and Newcastle have arrived - and Chelsea are in the