Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola: Manchester United can't afford our players

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has taunted Manchester United by claiming none of his Bayern Munich players wanted to join them this summer.

United made approaches for Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller, while Toni Kroos opted to join Real Madrid.

Although United spent £151.3million on six players this summer, including a British record £59.7m on Angel Di Maria, Guardiola said they could not have afforded his stars - even if they had wanted to move to Old Trafford.

"They don't have enough money," said Guardiola. "I saw they spent this kind of [big] money.

"It's good for my friend Louis [van Gaal]. I know all the players the clubs want, it just depends on the player.

"If the player wants to stay, they stay. Manchester United wants these kind of players, but they want to stay and we are happy to be here."

Guardiola also said United's absence from this season's Champions League, for the first time in 19 years, was a lesson to all big clubs of what can happen if they do not perform.

"It’s a good lesson for the big clubs," the Spaniard added. "They think 'we are unbeatable and strong' and they're not here. Maybe the next season they are out.

"That's why football is magnificent. Every single week you have to be ready. Every week you have got to show you are ready."