Pep Guardiola has said that the Manchester United fans who chanted abuse at Manchester City’s Phil Foden about his mother during Sunday’s goalless derby lacked “class”.
The invective was directed at the winger during the first half when City attacked the Stretford End at Old Trafford. Guardiola was asked about the chant.
“[It was a] lack of class,” City’s manager said. “But it’s not United, it’s the people [supporters], you know? We are so exposed in football – managers, owners, and football players especially. Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil, it’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
It is understood that City were shocked and disgusted by the chants and the number of people involved. United’s stance is that they condemn all abusive chants aimed towards players.
The draw leaves City in fifth place on 52 points, a point behind Chelsea in fourth, with seven games left. Concerning the challenge for a Champions League place, Guardiola said: “Seven games, Crystal Palace [next], go for it. I’d prefer to have 10 more points or 12 more points but it is what it is. It’s Old Trafford, it’s always difficult. We fought and we were there. The players gave everything. We should attack with more fluidity.
“I’m not concerned about next season right now, I’m just concerned about recovery, Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa and the FA Cup semi-finals [against Nottingham Forest].
“It would have been better to win but Old Trafford is Old Trafford and United are a transition team. We wanted to make a good buildup and process and we defended really well. They are dangerous when we lose balls in the position like we are not good.”
United remain 13th in the table, and Ruben Amorim was asked how difficult it will be to turn the club’s fortunes – and style of play – around. “I can say we want to be competitive in the short space of time but to be really dominant against that type of opponent is going to take a lot of time,” United’s head coach said. “We have to use different weapons. In that way of playing [ball domination] City is maybe the best team in the world. If you compare this game against Arsenal, we have some moments we did the better today was different. We are improving. To play in this way they play for a long time.
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“I’m in a rush, because we are suffering a lot. Everybody here is suffering a lot with all these changes and we have to show something in the next year, so right away.”
At the final whistle the sit-in organised by the 1958 group to protest against the Glazer family’s ownership was attended by a couple of hundred United fans.
Source: theguardian.com
