Pep Guardiola shamelessly targets Manchester United as boss rules out Man City drop

Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of Manchester City suffering a similar collapse to bitter rivals Manchester United if he leaves.

Guardiola has entered the last year of his contract in City and it seems that he will leave at the end of the season if a new agreement is not reached.

The Spaniard arrived at the club in 2016, three years after the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson left United after a season full of trophies.

City's foe won 13 Premier League titles under the Scot and was a hugely dominant force in English football during his tenure.

However, United have not won the league since Ferguson left more than a decade ago and have struggled to compete at the top of the table.

Guardiola's departure from City next summer could make his fortunes change too, but the coach has left that possibility aside.

“I don't know what happened (at United),” he said via ESPN ahead of City's clash against Southampton.

“It would be a bad sign for the club if after just one person left and everything collapsed.

“Maybe they make mistakes, but during the mistakes they will fix them. Then the mistakes will be fixed immediately, that's for sure. The guys know exactly what they have to do.”

Guardiola dropped a hint about his future at City when he said that “a part of me is leaving” amid the pending departure of sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

The current champions are keen to tie him down to a new deal but there is a growing feeling he will leave in 2025.

City goalkeeper Ederson believes the club already has a replacement for Guardiola 'in mind' in case they separate.

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It would conclude a brilliant era at the Etihad Stadium in which City won six Premier League titles, the Champions League and several other honours.

Head of Sporting Lisbon Rubén Amorim has already been speculated as a possible replacement after previous links with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Guardiola has been crucial in Manchester's power shift from United to City, which is a far cry from its previous glory days.

They are in their fifth permanent managerial appointment since Ferguson left the club, with Erik ten Hag currently on the bench.

Two FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and two Community Shields have been won during a period in which coaches such as Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho have taken charge.

However, a 21st Premier League title remains a glaring omission from their trophy cabinet along with another Champions League victory.

United may also struggle to win titles this season, having only won four of their 13 games in all competitions.