The first Manchester derby of will happen even before the season will start which is set to take place in China. The two had a frosty relationship when they were rivals at Barcelona and Real Madrid and now their rivalry is set be re-ignited.
The Manchester Derby is probably the most awaited game of the new Premier League season which will commence in August but fans will get a taste of what to expect. Both managers will be without their main squad players but it should still be an entertaining affair.
The match will take place in Beijing national stadium tomorrow. Guardiola, spoke to ahead of the game. When asked if he would shake hands with Mourinho he said, We are polite guys – why not? Why should we not shake hands? No reason why. He will want to win and so will I, that’s all.”
Mourinho and Guardiola aren’t the best of friends but it has been quite some time since the two faced off. The last game was a UEFA super cup clash between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. It was the game after the Champions League final that Munich had won against Dortmund.
But the two of them will probably be competing directly for the title this season. But before they will get a feel for each other's tactics and style of play. City and United are taking part in the China leg of the International Champions Cup.
United lost their first game against Dortmund 4-1. But it being a pre-season game there can’t be much that should be made of the result. Pep spoke about the game and what he expects from United this season.
“I saw United’s game against [Borussia] Dortmund and that’s all. It’s too early to know how they will be. I’m pretty sure they will be stronger than in previous years. Of course, with this manager and with the good players they already had and I’m sure they will buy new players. They will be a strong team.”
This will be the first Manchester Derby that will be played overseas. With heavy rainstorms and in the country the playing conditions are a worry for the teams.
Guardiola also spoke about the fitness of his captain Vincent Kompany.“The most important thing is for Vincent to get fit – if it’s for Sunderland. perfect. He has to get fit. That’s all.” City will play David Moyes’ team on the first day of the Premier League.”
