Man City boss Pep Guardiola teases Man United over spending after their Carabao Cup triumph
Pep Guardiola slammed Manchester United following their Carabao Cup final victory, stating they had gone six years without a trophy because they ‘didn’t invest’ despite spending over £700 million.
While those figures are similar, the differential in net spending during that time period is more pronounced, with United spending £527 million and City spending £162 million.
Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: ‘Congratulations to United for the Carabao Cup and to Newcastle as well – the game was entertaining.
‘Sooner or later it should happen, shouldn’t it? It should happen. Welcome.’
Asked if United could now kick on and become serious title challengers, Guardiola said with a broad grin: ‘If they spend a little more money, yes! It’s because they didn’t spend, isn’t it?
‘It’s normal, they’re in the position they normally should be. The reality is that two teams, Liverpool and ourselves, have done incredibly well in the numbers.
‘When I landed here I thought United would always be there, for the history, for everything, and Erik is doing an incredible job.
‘It’s normal. United have to be there. Always having been opponents we were better in the previous seasons and now it’s closer. Anything can happen in the Premier League.’
Those figures may be relatively close but when looking at net spending in that time the difference is more stark, with United’s being £527million and City’s £162million.
Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: ‘Congratulations to United for the Carabao Cup and to Newcastle as well – the game was entertaining.
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‘Yeah, if they spend a little more money yeah…’ | Pep Guardiola on Man Utd being rivals 👀
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🎥 Full press conference https://t.co/REswjCPnnt pic.twitter.com/6baYRun4Ff
Sooner or later it should happen, shouldn’t it? It should happen. Welcome.’
Asked if United could now kick on and become serious title challengers, Guardiola said with a broad grin: ‘If they spend a little more money, yes! It’s because they didn’t spend, isn’t it?
‘It’s normal, they’re in the position they normally should be. The reality is that two teams, Liverpool and ourselves, have done incredibly well in the numbers.
‘When I landed here I thought United would always be there, for the history, for everything, and Erik is doing an incredible job.
‘It’s normal. United have to be there. Always having been opponents we were better in the previous seasons and now it’s closer. Anything can happen in the Premier League.’
Yet while Guardiola was happy to welcome United back to the top table of the English game, he still landed a further blow on City’s rivals by referring to the two clubs’ recent trophy count.
He said: ‘I remember when we travelled to win our first Carabao Cup and everyone was so excited to do it. For the staff it was new, for the players it was new.
‘The fourth time we travelled there to win the Carabao Cup for the fourth time in a row, it was, “Well, it’s OK, another one, another day in the office”.’
City turn their attention to the FA Cup as they travel to Bristol City in the fifth round on Tuesday night.
