Man City boss Pep Guardiola has fired a rather ominous warning to West Ham United ahead of the Man United clash.
After sealing their place in the last 16 of European competition for the second season running, attentions now turn to Manchester United for West Ham this Sunday.
A trip to face the fast-improving Red Devils in the Premier League will be a massive step up from the opposition the Hammers have faced this week, which saw wins over Bournemouth on Monday and then SIlkeborg three days later.
West Ham sit within striking distance of Man United and the European spots.
Both West Ham and Man United are a million miles off title favourites Manchester City in terms of personnel.
The Hammers will be aiming to maintain their challenge for a top six spot again this season while competing to try and win the Europa Conference League.
Expectations are obviously much greater at Old Trafford, though. Ahead of the clash David Moyes has said the fact West Ham finished just one point off his former club last season shows the Hammers have closed the gap on the likes of Man United.
But a measure of Man United’s progress under Erik ten Hag is the fact gap between them and Man City has – for now at least – been closed up compared to recent seasons.
And Man City boss Pep Guardiola has fired an ominous warning to West Ham ahead of the Man United clash.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s action, which sees West Ham travel to Man United on Sunday while Man City go to Leicester on Saturday lunchtime, the Spaniard has warned he sees signs that the Red Devils are finally back.
Manchester United have not won the Premier League since 2013 and their last trophy came in 2017.
But they are unbeaten in seven games and ahead of Man United’s match against West Ham, Guardiola warns Ten Hag’s side are ready to challenge at the top of the table.
“I have the feeling (Manchester) United are coming back,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.
“Finally United is coming back – I’ve seen it on Thursday [the 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol], and against Chelsea in the first half [of the 1-1 draw last weekend].
“I said I like what I see of United right now. There will be a lot of teams like United fighting. That’s why you have to fight to qualify for the Champions League and fight for the title.”
Guardiola also said he believes Newcastle are in the mix for the title and top four – meaning he believes Eddie Howe’s side have already leapfrogged West Ham in the Premier League pecking order.
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