‘It depends on results’ - Pep Guardiola’s warning to Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag ahead of derby

Pep Guardiola has spoken of his admiration for Erik ten Hag ahead of the Manchester derby, but warned the Manchester United manager that he will need to immediately get good results in order to be given time in his new role.

The two coaches know each other well from their time at Bayern Munich, when Ten Hag was in charge of the second team as Guardiola led the senior side to repeated Bundesliga glory.

But they meet very much as equals on Sunday when the Red Devils travel to Manchester City.

United are beginning to show signs of promise after a disastrous start to the season where they lost their opening two matches, but they’ve subsequently put together a four-game winning run in the league.

Guardiola warned Ten Hag in the build-up to Sunday’s game that the length of Dutchman’s tenure in Manchester will depend on his ability to consistently win matches, while adding the only reason he’s still at City is because he’s secured silverware year after year.

“I have a lot of admiration for Erik. We know each other a little bit because we worked a year in Munich,” said Guardiola. “We didn’t have a close relationship.

“What he’s done is incredible work in Holland. Ajax in the last years were an example across Europe and United trust and build a team, give ideas and years with him. I cannot say anything else.

“He knows, I know, it depends on results. I’m still here because we won in the past, Erik knows it, all the managers before Erik know it. If you win in big clubs you have time, if you dont you are in trouble.

“The beginning of the season was difficult with Brighton and Brentford defeats but after they come back with incredible energy in the games and got results,” he added.

“This is the best way because results give you time to build what you want. If United decide on Erik, it is because they believe he is the man.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola also revealed he occasionally has contact with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

“We had dinner once or twice, we sent some messages,” revealed the Catalan, who beat Ferguson in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals while at Barcelona.

“He always was so nice to me. At Old Trafford you have to pass the [executive] box, he offers me a glass of wine, we had a small chat.

“I have incredible respect for the most important manager maybe around the world and of course here in England. To have a good relationship with this manager is so nice for me, I like it.”