'We could be 14th' - Pep Guardiola aims subtle dig at Man Utd in defence of Man City's own shocking season

City are on course to have their worst season in years, as they have fallen well short in their Premier League title defence, cannot win the Champions League or Carabao Cup and all their hopes lie in finishing in the top five and lifting the FA Cup. Despite that, bitter rivals United are 14th in the table and are having an even worse campaign - something Guardiola may have subtly pointed out.

He told reporters: "I don't think it's a bad thing to be fighting to qualify for the Champions League. You could be in a very low position in the Premier League if you have done fewer good things than we have done in these four, five months. We could be 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th."

City are hoping to secure Champions League football next season by finishing in the top five, whereas United are attempting to do that by winning the Europa League. Either way, this has not been a good season for either Manchester club.

City, who sit fifth in the league, take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday while United entertain Wolves a day later.