Pep Guardiola - FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-PRESSER
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola attends a press conference at Manchester City training ground in Manchester, north-west England on September 18, 2023, ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group G football match against Red Star Belgrade. PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that cross-city rivals Manchester United do not pose a serious threat in the Premier League.

During a press conference on Monday, September 18, the two-time treble-winning mentor praised Arsenal and Liverpool, who showed strong outings during their Premier League fixtures over the weekend.

"But how strong is Arsenal? I saw their win at Goodison Park, they are exceptional. Liverpool again, their mentality is continuing there," the 52-year-old tactician said.

The Spanish manager was soon asked if Manchester United belongs to the same tier as the teams he previously mentioned, and he let out a chuckle before explaining that the Red Devils are off to a cold start.

"Well they didn't start as they expect, a bit like Chelsea, but always they are Man United, they are Chelsea, they will take the rhythm," Guardiola continued.

Manchester United has lost three of their first five games in the Premier League this season, including their last two.

Despite spending big during the summer transfer window for Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund, manager Erik ten Hag has yet to figure out a winning formula for the Red Devils.

Manchester City off to a hot start

The European champions remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League after notching a 3-1 win against West Ham United on Saturday, September 16.

The club has now won their first five games en route to the top of the table.