25 May 2024 , 09:00
679
0
Last season, Pep Guardiola made no bones about what kind of team Manchester United were - 'long ball'.
The City boss led his side to a 2-1 win in the FA Cup final 12 months ago, as Ilkay Gundogan recorded a brace. It was one of three trophies that Man City earned as the club managed to secure a historic treble.
Guardiola and co have continued to set impressive standards in the Premier League this term, and many will expect them to overwhelm this weekend's opponents who produced their worst-ever Premier League finish, eighth place. Last season, United finished third under Erik Ten Hag and had won the Carabao Cup.
Despite a regression, there is one area that Guardiola might consider the Red Devils much improved if you take stock in his previous comments. A year ago, Guardiola was required to prepare for both Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Inter Milan in the Champions League's showpiece game - with Andre Onana then representing the Nerazzurri.
When asked by Thierry Henry for CBS Sports on the challenge City would face against a back five in the Champions League final, Guardiola chose to highlight Onana's role. The Catalan coach waxed lyrical about the goalkeeper's abilities and contrasted the predicament to United's setup that time.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
“When you make a switch of play, it is more difficult against a back five because they have more width and numbers spread out," said Guardiola. "But it is not just the structure of having those numbers that makes Inter difficult.
"The goalkeeper, Onana, makes it really difficult to deploy a high press against. You cannot press the goalkeeper properly. They are masters at keeping the ball, right up to the attackers – the likes of Lautaro (Martinez), (Edin) Dzeko and (Romelu) Lukaku.
Andre Onana arriving for Man Utd v Arsenal (Manchester United via Getty Imag)“If you look at United, for example, it is long ball. With Rashford and another one (forward) to run onto.
“But Inter are different, they keep the ball. That is why you have to think about what you have to do. With the ball, Inter are very, very good – that is why they are in the Champions League final. We have great respect and admiration for how they play but we have to find a way to beat them.”
Guardiola continued his praise of Onana: "For the way they play, with the high press, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper to take the position to build-up. Really, really good."
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS!
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our