Pep Guardiola hails Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's best quality.

Manchester City take on Man Utd at Old Trafford on Sunday - and Guardiola has revealed his biggest concern.

Pep Guardiola has hailed Jose Mourinho’s ability to win against the odds - and warned his Manchester City players to avoid the same fate as Arsenal.

Ahead of Sunday’s derby, Guardiola heaped praise on his long-time rival - claiming Manchester United have become masters at finding a way to win.

And he has told his Premier League leaders that even a dominant performance at Old Trafford may not be enough to avoid defeat.

United secured a 3-1 win against Arsenal last weekend, despite going down to 10 men when Paul Pogba was sent off, with David de Gea producing world class display.

Guardiola claims that resilience is a hallmark of Mourinho’s team.

“Until now we cannot complain in terms of our results and especially the way we have played,” said the City manager. “When you see in every game the statistics - we are better in terms of potential goals, possession and chances conceded.

“I think United is fantastic on that. When the statistics are good they win and when they are not good they are able to win 3-1 at the Emirates, one of the most difficult stadiums.

“I think United are strong on that. When they concede 33 shots and they win 3-1.

“Few teams in the world are able to do that. That’s why you have to be careful.

“You can control, you can do many things good, but they have the talent to do that.”

City can move 11 points clear of United with victory on Sunday and set a new Premier League record of 14 straight wins in one season.

Against Mourinho, it will be the ultimate clash of styles - but one Guardiola insists he is relishing it.
“I like to pass the ball,” he said. “I like that - I love it.

“When you see our patterns, they are similar to Barcelona and Bayern Munich. I want the ball.

“That’s my main principle. After that we have to be well organised and recover as much as possible knowing the opponents want to punish you when you lose the ball with the magnificent counter attack.

“The teams from Jose Mourinho - Chelsea, Real Madrid and here - they are the masters of that.

“So good running in behind and when you lose the ball, you know if you are not well organised they punish you in one action and win the game.

“They (United) defend well. I think they have conceded one or two goals at home, no more than that.
“It’s so complicated to score goals against them, but that’s the target.

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“They don’t only defend well - they create chances.

“When they arrive with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard, they can run. When they arrive in the boxes they are dangerous players.

“I am a manager for this kind of game. I love to play a lot of games, but Champions League and these kind of games on the biggest stages is fascinating for us.

“That’s the reason why we are here, and I want to enjoy it. I will enjoy it, definitely, to prepare the game, to arrive.
“I am looking forward to arriving there. I would like to play tomorrow or in a few hours.

“I love to be there to be part of it, because it just a game. l like to enjoy it.

“We can see what we can do to beat them, then shake hands, improve what we have not done well, enjoy a good game and prepare for the next one.”