SYMPATHY FOR RED DEVILS

Pep admits he feels sorry for rivals United after dramatic fall since Fergie's departure

PEP GUARDIOLA admits he feels sympathy for Manchester United because of their lack of trophies post Sir Alex Ferguson.

City host their neighbours in the Manchester derby tomorrow and will be red-hot favourites to pile the pain on Erik ten Hag's men.

City have turned Manchester blue in the last decade, having won 20 trophies in that time compared to United's four after Fergie's retirement in 2013.

United have not come close to winning the Premier League title, while City have won the last three and aim to make it a record fourth in succession this time round.

Guardiola knows rivals United judge themselves on winning silverware.

And the Spaniard admits he understands how difficult this has been for them following the departure of Fergie as boss.

Guardiola said: "I would say at big clubs you have to win and win. Not just United. You have to. But it's not easy for United to continue with the incredible success with Sir Alex. That is not easy. I can understand it.