Pep encourages Man Utd to follow City's lead and give ETH time to turn it around

Pep Guardiola has given Manchester United some cheeky derby-day advice by suggesting they follow City’s example to bring the good times back to Old Trafford.

Guardiola, who also declared Liverpool rather than United as having been his biggest rivals in England, is convinced Erik ten Hag needs time and the right structure behind the scenes at Old Trafford – the blueprint for success at The Etihad.

‘If they take good decisions with the hierarchy, the sport director and manager and players with the same ideas, they will be there,’ promised Guardiola.

‘The reputation and prestige will always be there for Man United. Just make a click for the right decision.

‘It’s the same – give time to the managers and they will do it.’

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to take control of football operations, Guardiola wants ten Hag to be given the chance to build on last season’s work.

‘Leave the manager to do the job like they did with me at City,’ he added. ‘They allowed me my first season when we didn't win.

‘We analysed what happened. We had 10 or 11 players who were more than 30-years-old so we said “OK, we have to bring energy and quality” and they supported me.

‘It takes time. If United win four, five, six games in a row, they will be here. They are so close.

‘We have won five of the last six Premier Leagues. It’s because of the organisation of our club.’

United haven’t finished higher than City in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and ten Hag is the fourth manager Guardiola has faced in the derby following Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

There is already a six-point gap between the teams this season and Guardiola doesn’t rate United as being his biggest threats since he joined City in 2016.

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