Guardiola: 'United can still finish in the top four'

Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola maintains that Manchester United has the quality to finish in the top four of the English Premier League to stay in contention for Champions League.

Published : Dec 06, 2016 16:17 IST

Manchester United is currently sixth in the English Premier League standings.
Manchester United is currently sixth in the English Premier League standings.
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Manchester United is currently sixth in the English Premier League standings.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is adamant rival Manchester United has the quality to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.

United has drawn its past three Premier League fixtures and faces an uphill battle to secure a Champions League berth for next season, with Jose Mourinho's men sixth in the standings. Sunday's late > 1-1 draw at Everton left United nine points behind fourth-placed City and 13 points adrift of leaders Chelsea after 14 rounds.

But while the title may be a step too far, Guardiola insists United remains a contender for European football. "How they played lately, yes," Guardiola replied when asked if United can still qualify for the Champions League ahead of City's clash against Celtic on Tuesday.

"I saw the games against Stoke, Burnley and another one at Old Trafford. They deserve by far to win those games. But football is like this. Of course United [has] the quality, for the history, the managers and the players to be there. It is a long distance [for the title] and it won't be easy but to be in the top four, of course."

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