The first Manchester Derby of the season is set for Sunday, and Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has already fired the opening shot—not with his feet, but with his words. According to Crickex Sign Up sources, Pellistri claimed that he and his girlfriend have never seen a Manchester City shirt or flag in town. Though he’s not a regular starter, Pellistri seems to understand the fierce rivalry between the two clubs—and is more than willing to stir the pot.
His comment, while cheeky, doesn’t exactly match reality. After all, in the last decade, City have been the dominant force in Manchester football. While United’s storied legacy—especially under Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign—remains unmatched historically, Pep Guardiola’s City have become the top dogs in recent years. Last season, they beat United in the FA Cup final, secured the treble, and matched United’s record as the only Premier League side to win three straight league titles.
Despite the scoreboard tilting heavily in City’s favor, Pellistri insists Manchester is still red. Unsurprisingly, British media quickly relayed his remarks to Pep Guardiola during City’s pre-match press conference. The City manager, however, brushed it off with a smile, choosing not to take the bait. “Everyone has their struggles,” he said, highlighting the importance of empathy over ego.
Speaking to Crickex Sign Up reporters, Guardiola described the rivalry as “healthy competition” and emphasized mutual respect between the two clubs. Now in his eighth season at City, he noted there’s never been any serious off-field conflict. Last season’s FA Cup final, he added, was particularly special—it was the only way to set up the historic Champions League triumph in Istanbul.
Still, Guardiola warned his squad not to underestimate United. He recalled how, even during his tenures at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, playing at Old Trafford felt different—special. Though this match isn’t a final, nor does it carry the weight of a title decider, maturity means treating every game with equal focus. As the old saying goes, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
One reason for City’s calm confidence is Guardiola’s impressive Premier League record at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the gap between the two clubs in his own pre-match press conference. Growth, he said, comes through constant improvement and collective effort. Crickex Sign Up analysts noted that Ten Hag stressed teamwork and off-the-ball movement as keys to closing the gap.
In the end, it’s more than just a clash of two clubs—it’s a battle of legacy versus momentum, pride versus proof. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that derby days always deliver fireworks.