Pep Guardiola laughs off "noisy neighbours" tag ahead of Man City's trip to Man Utd

Pep has laughed off the 'noisy neighbours' tag. [Courtesy]

Pep Guardiola laughed off Manchester City's infamous “noisy neighbours” tag ahead of tomorrow's Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester United.

Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branded City the “noisy neighbours” when the Blues were on the rise towards the end of his glittering spell at Old Trafford.

But Guardiola, whose side travel across Manchester to United for the first leg tomorrow, suggested City had silenced that jibe by winning four Premier League titles in eight years.

“I know for the years I was not here we were the noisy neighbours,” said Guardiola. “Now I don’t know what we are!

Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling look in good spirits. [Courtesy]

“The derbies in Spain were Espanyol and Real Madrid. Here in England, there are many top teams, not just one or two like in other countries.

“Other top teams are important, but I know what United means to Man City fans.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United beat City 2-1 at the Etihad last month and Guardiola praised his opposite number, claiming he can see a side with a tangible identity. “I think he starts to see his team like he wanted,” said Guardiola. “The last game against Arsenal they lost, but you could see clearly what he wants.

“It's not easy to handle a team, a big, big club, always demanding to be champions in all competitions.

Kevin de Bruyne will be hoping to put Man Utd to the sword. [Courtesy]

“But I think every manager needs time and I have the feeling United starts to play the way he wants.”