Pep Guardiola wastes no time by sending Manchester United warning to City stars

28 February 2024 , 07:34

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola warned his stars that Sunday's derby clash against Manchester United will be a completely different game following their dominant FA Cup win over Luton.

City beat the Hatters 6-2 in the fifth round of the on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring five. Kevin de Bruyne assisted four of the Norwegian's goals, with the pair now linking up in devastating fashion after spending time on the sidelines through injury.

However, while Guardiola heaped praise on Haaland and De Bruyne after the win over Luton, he was also keen to stress that the derby will be a different prospect altogether. "Erling needs a guy with the vision, quality, generosity," Guardiola said.

"Kevin is a less selfish player, if he cannot score another one he can do it [assist]. Kevin needs the movement for Erling. Kevin with Erling was great but everyone makes their contributions.

"[United is] a completely different game. Today they play in a completely different game, it's another game the way they attack will be completely different. In this up and downs, the transitions when you can have Kevin and Erling to run it's difficult to control.

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"They have courage to do it, they [Luton] got a result, beat Brighton here. Always is difficult. We read it really well and they do it. What can I say. United game is a completely different one, will be tough.

"They defend differently and have experienced players. Now we have two days off, people don't see each-other, have to refresh our minds and legs and have two days to prepare for the game."

Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were ruthless against Luton (Getty Images)

Haaland, meanwhile, said it is a "pleasure" to play alongside De Bruyne and revealed he is now "getting back to my best" after recovering from his foot injury. "Of course, [De Bruyne has] massive [influence]," Haaland said.

"Look at what he's doing! He's doing what he's best at. It's a pleasure to play with him. It's quite good [connection]. I think we know what we both want from each other. We look at each other often throughout the game.

"It clicks well. He's a smart guy and I like to play with smart guys. My fitness is getting there and I'm getting back to my best finally. I'm feeling good and it's an amazing feeling.

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Matthew Cooper