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Manchester United may still be enduring a miserable Premier League campaign.
However, their dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals has at least provided fans with a historic moment to savour.
Despite that, the club’s domestic struggles remain a key talking point.
Pep Guardiola couldn’t resist a subtle dig at United when addressing Manchester City’s own difficult season.
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The reigning Premier League champions have already seen their grip on the title slip away.
City are now locked in a tense battle to simply secure Champions League qualification.
City sit fifth – a position that will be enough this season.
But the pressure remains, with Aston Villa and Chelsea both applying pressure.
Guardiola, however, has refused to get too downbeat about his side’s situation, insisting things could be far worse.
Pep Guardiola mocks Manchester United league position
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Everton, the Spaniard said:
“Hopefully next season, we can be there, deal with the big clubs in Europe.
“We can challenge them better than we have done this season but what we have done in the latest seven years we were there.
“Even when we were out, we compete really well.”
He continued: “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to fight to qualify for the Champions League.
“We could be in a much lower position in the Premier League if you had done fewer good things than we have done in these four, five months.
“People say we are fourth now but I say yeah we could be 11th or 12th or 13th or 14th.
“I don’t have any doubts about that. So I take it like ‘okay, it has not been good but it’s in our hands.’”
The comments came at a time when Manchester United are languishing in 14th place, having lost 14 of their 32 matches so far this season.
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Ruben Amorim’s side are already guaranteed to record their worst ever Premier League finish.
However, the Red Devils remain in the hunt for Champions League football through Europa League success.
United are set to face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
While Tottenham, also struggling a point behind United, will take on Bodo/Glimt in the other tie.
Guardiola’s pointed remarks about being grateful not to be stuck in 13th or 14th offered a timely reminder of just how far United have fallen, despite their European exploits.
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Source: Centred Devils