The Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has opened a can of worms by claiming Manchester City is better than Manchester United.

This was during an interview ahead of their Sunday’s 197th deby at Etihad Stadium.

Pep underlined his team’s recent dominance in English football while reflecting on the historic rivalry with Manchester United.

Speaking ahead of the derby, Guardiola emphasized his respect for United’s rich history and their achievements in English and world football, but made it clear that recently, the blue side of Manchester has been better.

“I have respect for Manchester United. I’m so nice. I have huge respect for their history, what they’ve done in the past, their legacy for English football, for football. If they beat us, they beat us,” Pep said.

Past Glory Glory Man United

He acknowledged United’s supremacy during the 90s and early 2000s but noted how City has turned things around in recent years.

“In the 90s, always they (Manchester United) were in front, maybe Man City beat them sometimes. And in 27 years, they won the Premier League 30 times. In the last nine years, we won the Premier League six times. In the last eight, we won six.”

He went further, underlining City’s consistency since his arrival in 2016.

“It’s what counts at the end. In the end, we were better. Since I arrived, we have been better than them. Always. Ten years, nine years, always we were better.”

However, things have been different recently, as Manchester United beat Manchester City to lift their 13th FA Cup. Before coming to Manchester United, Rubem Amorim thrashed Pep four goals to one in a Champions League match. Later, he was appointed by Manchester United, and today they meet again.

Manchester United vs Manchester City is one of the best derbies in the world of football. Today, they meet again with Manchester United sitting on top of Manchester City. Who will bag the bragging rights today?