Pep Guardiola aims cheeky dig at Man Utd’s spending as their trophy drought comes to an end
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, made a playful comment about Manchester United’s spending after their victory in the Carabao Cup ended their six-year trophy drought.
Despite United’s long wait between triumphs, Guardiola won nine major trophies in a similar timeframe, including four Premier League titles and four League Cups.
While congratulating United on their win over Newcastle on Sunday, which may lead to even greater successes in the future under Erik ten Hag, Guardiola couldn’t resist making a joke about financial matters.
Guardiola has frequently been bothered by critics who attribute his successes at Manchester City to the club’s spending on players. However, over the past five years, Manchester United has actually spent more on players than City, with £685 million compared to City’s £660 million.
Although the figures are relatively similar, the difference in net spending between the two clubs over the same period is more significant, with United having spent £527 million compared to City’s £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.”
Although Guardiola acknowledged and congratulated United for their return to the top level of English football, he delivered another hit to City’s rivals by mentioning the recent difference in the two clubs’ 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’.”
On Tuesday night, City will focus on the FA Cup as they journey to Bristol City for the fifth round.
Pep Guardiola aims cheeky dig at Man Utd’s spending as their trophy drought comes to an end
