EPL: Man United improved – Guardiola hints on season’s top four

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he likes the improvement being made by Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.

The Spaniard said he has been massively impressed with the Red Devils’ recent form and feels they are on their way back to being challengers once again.

Manchester has suffered three defeats this season to Brighton, Brentford and Manchester City.

But, since after the defeat to City, the Red Devils have become a hard nut to crack, going unbeaten in their next seven matches.

Their last Premier League outing was a spirited draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

“I have the feeling United are coming back, finally United is coming back,” the City boss told reporters on Friday.

“I’ve seen it against Chelsea, the first half. I said I like what I see of United right now.

“There will be a lot of teams like United fighting for [the top four]. That’s why you have to fight to qualify for the Champions League and fight for the title.”

“Look now Newcastle, another part already there. I saw against Spurs, was magnificent on both sides. I saw the physicality that we faced in the third game of the season.

“Imagine this team with one game a week, no Europe, this team can be a contender to be there.

“The manager Eddie [Howe], their new players, the way they played. Brave, go to Spurs, the central defenders were man-to-man vs [Harry] Kane, Son [Heung-min], no problem. Good quality in many things.”