Man City told Pep Guardiola and owners will leave - and they'll 'never be seen like Man Utd'

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, and Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United interact following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara told Manchester City – and their fans – they will never be seen in the same light as Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola's side have the opportunity to overcome the Red Devils in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season when they meet at Wembley on Saturday. The Cityzens have dominated their fierce rivals and English football as a whole since Guardiola took charge all the way back in 2016.

However, City fans were left concerned when Guardiola admitted he may leave when his contract expires in the summer of 2025. Speaking ahead of the cup final, O'Hara thinks City will struggle once the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager departs.

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In conversation with Grosvenor Sport, O'Hara said: “Manchester City will never be as big as Manchester United. I don’t care if they ever win another five or six Champions Leagues, you’re never going to be as big as Manchester United.

"When I’m sat on my death bed and I’m going to sleep while taking my last breath, I guarantee you United will still be bigger than Manchester City. It’s an absolute fact.

“You can’t compare Manchester City to the likes of Real Madrid. Real Madrid and Barcelona are always going to be Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Liverpool and Manchester United are always going to be Liverpool and Manchester United – no matter what decade.

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"They’re still the biggest clubs in the world. Manchester City are owned by a state and they’ve got Pep Guardiola as their manager, but let me tell you, that will eventually change.”

Before City won their fourth Premier League title in a row by beating West Ham 3-1, Guardiola said he will see out his contract. Shortly after the trophy ceremony, the Catalan admitted he may not be at City when that deal expires.

"The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying," Guardiola said. "It's eight years, will be nine. Right now, my feeling is I am staying next season.

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, poses for a photo with the Premier League title trophy following their teams victory during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England
Guardiola has won six Premier League titles at City -Credit:Getty Images

"We talk with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well. If they follow me, they follow us... for many reasons. I will stay. During the season we will talk."

City will head into the FA Cup final without Ederson, who is still recovering from the fractured eye socket he suffered in his collision with Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.