Ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Guardiola sees positive changes at Old Trafford under manager Erik ten Hag.
Guardiola believes Man Utd are coming back, lauds Newcastle's brave players, and backs Julian Alvarez ahead of Leicester City clash.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes rivals Manchester United are coming back' to being a competitive team in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have not won a trophy in five years [since 2017 under Jose Mourinho], and their last English top-flight title was back in 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Since United's 6-3 debacle at the Etihad, Erik ten Hag has managed to steady the ship and they are now unbeaten in seven matches.
However, speaking to the press on Friday, the City boss Guardiola said 'I like what I see of United right now.'
Man United are coming back
"I have the feeling United are coming back," said Guardiola as BBC Sport quoted.
"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."
Newcastle players are brave.
Guardiola also thinks Eddie Howe's Newcastle are going to be a force to be reckoned with, challenging for the title and top-four spot.
"Newcastle are already there," added Guardiola. "I saw them against Tottenham. The central defenders went man-to-man against Kane and Son with no problem at all.
"We played them in the third game of the season. Imagine this team playing one game a week. We know how good Eddie the manager is.
"They have new players. They play brave. They are a contender to be there."
Alvarez first option if Haaland misses out.
Guardiola said he would assess Erling Haarland's fitness yesterday before deciding whether the Norwegian would make the Man City squad visiting Leicester.
However, he admitted he has great faith in 'first option' Julian Alvarez to come into the starting XI if Haaland misses out today.
"Normally when Erling is not ready, Julian is the first option," Guardiola told the media as mancity.com quoted.
"Of course we are going to play him, definitely. He can play in a false nine, but I don't think this will happen.
"I think Julian can drop and is good [at] dropping, so if Erling is not playing, not tomorrow, for the future, Julian is the first option."
Alvarez's chances on the pitch have been limited for obvious reasons with Haaland scoring goals regularly, but Guardiola insists that the Argentinian forward is always ready when called upon.
The Spaniard added: "Play every game 90 minutes and he will score goals, maybe not like Erling. I know how difficult it is when you don't play regularly.
"But since day one we are really impressed on many, many things with him."
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