Pep Guardiola 'has Man Utd fear' as Man City chiefs scrap title parade plan

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly wanted to parade the Premier League trophy through the streets after his side’s win over West Ham on Sunday, rather than wait until after next weekend’s FA Cup final, out of fears that a defeat to Manchester United at Wembley would take the shine off their achievement.

The Etihad Stadium was jubilant for a fourth consecutive season as two goals from Phil Foden and one from Rodri rubber-stamped a 3-1 victory over West Ham to clinch the Premier League title.

While defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League ruined City’s chances of pulling off back-to-back trebles, Guardiola is still in with a shout of doing the double. The Sky Blues will meet local rivals United in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

According to The Athletic, Guardiola is ‘worried’ that defeat against Erik ten Hag’s side could take the gloss off their title celebrations. The former Barcelona boss initially wanted to stage a short parade through the streets of Manchester after the West Ham game.

But City chiefs are believed to have scrapped those plans last week, with the parade now scheduled for Sunday – the day after the FA Cup final, which is set to host a Manchester derby for the second consecutive year.

Guardiola got the better of Ten Hag 12 months ago as two goals from Ilkay Gundogan sealed a 2-1 victory, before City went on to beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The Sky Blues will once again head into Saturday’s match as red-hot favourites.

United are scrapping for their last remaining chance to qualify for next season’s Europa League after finishing eighth in the table. Ten Hag is also fighting for his future amid rumours he could be dismissed this summer.

After a close-fought 3-2 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford last week, the United boss promised supporters his side would lay everything on the line at Wembley. “On behalf of the players, staff and myself I want to thank you all for the brilliant support during this season,” he said.

“As you know it wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team. This season is not over yet. I promise you those players will give everything to get that cup and bring it to Old Trafford.

“We are sure you will be there supporting us – thank you, you are the best supporters in the world.”