- Pep Guardiola believes Man United are serious Premier League contenders
- The Spaniard claims the arrival of Harry Maguire will solidify the Red Devils' defence
- Guardiola guided his side to Community Shield glory after beating Liverpool
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his side's City rivals Manchester United will be among the serious contenders for the Premier League title this season.
The Spaniard guided the Citizens to their first silverware in the 2019-20 season after beating Liverpool 5-4 on penalties to win the 2019 Community Shield.
Joel Matip helped the Reds stretch the game beyond regulation period after scoring a 77th minute strike to cancel out Raheem Sterling's first half goal.
However, Guardiola admits that the Red Devils are favourites to emerge champions at the end of the season after the signing of England international Harry Maguire this summer.
The defender became world's most expensive defender after sealing a six-year deal valued around £85 million this summer.
"Maguire is an excellent, top-class player,” Guardiola said. "We were interested but we could not afford him.
"United could afford him. He’s strong in the air, good with the ball, he can drive with the ball and he’s so fast. He has a lot of qualities, so congratulations to United," he continued.
United also signed £50 million rated right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and City handler tipped to be one of the teams to battle for the EPL title.
"There are five or six teams who are contenders, then after the competition will talk. For United, it doesn’t matter what has happened in the last four or five years, they always start as contenders.
"They will go higher with the players they have bought. And Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham [will also challenge]," the tactician submitted.
The Spaniard also said that Liverpool will contend for the title despite beating them in the Community Shield last weekend.
Source: Tuko
