Pep Guardiola revealed the secret to Manchester City’s success is down to him and the club’s hierarchy all going together in the ‘same direction’.

The Spaniard guided City to a dominant 3-0 victory in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford as goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were the difference.

His comments carry significant weight with City continuing to go from strength-to-strength since their Treble-winning heroics last season, while United are looking like a club going in reverse.

During the same time, Man United have parted company with Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with pressure similarly now beginning to mount on Erik ten Hag after a difficult start to the season.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Man City’s hierarchy after Sunday’s Manchester derby win

Man United were dominated by City as they were thrashed in a 3-0 defeat by their rivals

A long-running takeover at Old Trafford that originally started almost 12 months ago is continuing to be dragged out, and Guardiola’s post-match comments show a glaring difference between the two Manchester clubs.

Explaining City’s structure, Guardiola said: ‘We are in the same direction, me, the CEO, the sporting directors, the chairman. That is why I think the club is so stable.’ 

City have identified a winning formula that has guided them to 12 major honours during Guardiola’s time in charge, with their quest for a first Champions League trophy finally ending last season.

The ownership model chaired by Sheikh Mansour is a stark contrast to the state of affairs at Man United where a host of investors hold shares in the club.

American owners the Glazer family control the majority of United, however the 13-time Premier League champions are also on the New York Stock Exchange, while other investors are also involved.

Guardiola admitted City’s structure has everyone at the club going ‘in the same direction’

United boss Erik ten Hag is having to manage amidst uncertainty over the club’s future

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the club with a view to a staged buyout after seemingly beating Qatari investment who wanted to purchase the entirety of Man United.

Club supporters meanwhile are unhappy with the ongoing saga as United’s misfortunes continue to mount after another unimpressive weekend showing that leaves them 11-points adrift of league leaders Spurs after just 10 games.

Gary Neville labelled Guardiola’s comments about City’s hierarchy as a ‘monstrous dig’ aimed at the running of United.

The ex-United and England defender has been a critic of his former club and slammed their performance against City in the derby as ‘appalling’.