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Pep Guardiola Laughs Off Manchester United's Premier League Title Credentials

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appears to believe that Manchester United's chances of competing for the Premier League title this season are laughable.

Guardiola attended a press conference on Monday - two days after City had won 3-1 at West Ham.

That result left City top of the EPL table with five wins from their first five games.

Speaking on Monday, Guardiola admitted that he had been pleased by the way the season had started but acknowledged that his side's winning streak will not last forever.

He then highlighted Liverpool and Arsenal - who beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday - as teams that could be capable of rivaling City for the league title.

However, Guardiola was seemingly less worried about United.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured laughing during a press conference in September 2023

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured laughing during a press conference on Monday

"We will have downs in the season, so it will not be all the season, but to start in that way [is good], and important teams take some distances now," Guardiola told reporters.

"But, you know, how strong is Arsenal? Yesterday I saw the game at Goodison Park. They are exceptional. And Liverpool, again, their mentality continues there."

Guardiola was then interrupted by a journalist who asked: "Manchester United?"

After smiling and failing to stifle a small laugh, Guardiola replied: "Well they didn't start like I think they expected, like Chelsea.

"But always they are Man United, always they are Chelsea, sooner or later they take the rhythm."

United have lost three of their opening five league games for the first time in EPL history, with Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Brighton coming after away losses at Tottenham and Arsenal.

The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the table with six points, one place and one point ahead of Chelsea.

City will begin the defense of their UEFA Champions League crown with a home game against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday.

United will visit Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Chelsea will not play any European football this season after finishing 12th in the previous edition of the EPL.