This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration for Manchester United's transfer business, predicting that the Red Devils will be among the serious contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Speaking after his side's Community Shield victory over Liverpool, Guardiola praised the signing of Harry Maguire, who became the world's most expensive defender after sealing a six-year deal worth around £85 million.
'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.'
Guardiola also acknowledged that Liverpool will be a force to be reckoned with, despite his side's Community Shield victory. 'There are five or six teams who are contenders, then after the competition will talk,' he said. '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],'
Guardiola's comments come after Manchester United signed several high-profile players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was valued at £50 million.
