Pep Guardiola has poked fun at Manchester United’s net spend following the end of their six-year trophy drought – even reminiscing over his first Carabao Cup.
The Spaniard has taken a tongue-in-cheek dig at Manchester United’s recent net spend after they ended their six-year trophy drought – with more than £365million between them.
The four-time Premier League winning boss gave his thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s squad after their Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle, a competition he has won four times.
Guardiola begun by saying: “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.”
When asked if he thinks United could become regular title contenders, the Spaniard added: “If they spend a little more money, yes! It’s because they didn’t spend, isn’t it?”
Although City have actually spent £25m more than United’s £660m over the past five seasons, their net spend of £162m is far better than United’s £527m.
A sassy Guardiola added: “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’.”
With City trying to stay in the title race which is led by Arsenal, they remain in contention for FA Cup and Champions League glory.
With one trophy in the bag United are outsiders in any title race by remain in the FA Cup and into the last 16 of the Europa League after beating Barcelona.