Manchester – Pep Guardiola said Manchester City’s pride and determination carried them through their 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, the City manager admitted the start to the season had been tougher than expected, with Liverpool setting the pace at the top. “We want to be close and still fighting for titles. The spirit was great, our players have a lot of pride and they want to do better on a special day. We saw our fans so happy and that is our job,” he said.
Guardiola acknowledged City still have improvements to make, but added the win was an important step. “We are not yet a team but step by step. The victory helps us a lot,” he told the BBC.
Phil Foden, who opened the scoring, earned special praise. “He played incredible. He is a guy who loves to arrive in the box. Our last Premier League title he was the best player in the league. We need him so much,” Guardiola said.
Erling Haaland’s two goals took his tally to seven in just two matches, something Guardiola described as a reflection of his growing commitment this season.
Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim admitted his side “suffered goals we can avoid” and criticised his players’ lack of sharpness in transition. United’s captain Bruno Fernandes added that his team “wanted what City got and that’s three points,” conceding they must take more risks going forward.
Former United captain Roy Keane, working as a pundit, said the game was too easy for City. “United just look like a really average team. I bet City could not believe how easy it was,” he remarked.
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