Premier League English

Title win will put Man City on a par with Ferguson’s United, says Guardiola

Manchester United doyen and legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s United sides achieved the extraordinary feat of winning four Premier League titles in five years, establishing themselves as the dominant force in English football during the Scot’s 26-year reign.

“Of course it would be great (to win four in five seasons). When I arrive and people here say the Premier League is really difficult, the toughest one, everyone wins different ones,” Guardiola was candid with reporters ahead of the game against Villa.

“Just Sir Alex Ferguson with United could do four in five years,” he added. “When this happens, you realise the magnitude of this United (team) in this period and how he they were able to do it many times. We’re close to being a part of that and we have to try to take it.”

City now need to win at home on the penultimate day to secure the title ahead of Liverpool, who trail by only a point as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Regardless of the final outcome, Guardiola already has one eye eagerly on next season, as City have succeeded in bringing in striker wonder lad Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this month to bolster their squad, having been bereft of the services of a No. 10 for a long period of time since Sergio Aguero’s departure from the club and the Sky Blues having had to rely on false 9s to do the job.

The 21-year-old Norwegian, who scored 29 goals for Dortmund last season, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. All the same preferring to take the more cautious approach, Guardiola warned against having unrealistic expectations of the youngster to deliver the goods straight away.

“Especially important is that he is arriving in a new country, new house, making new friends – all these kinds of things he has to adjust to,” he said. “(But) I’m pretty sure he adapts well… if it takes weeks – great. If it takes months – great. He hasn’t come here for two, three months, he’s come for many years, I hope.”