It’s not an exceptional result. They put four or five players in the central positions so it’s not easy. But we controlled the game.

The Spaniard insinuated that that United adopted negative tactics at home, but when pressed on his comments he appeared riled.

I didn’t say that… I didn’t say that! I respect my colleague (Moyes). My colleague can play…. Look at me when I talk to you. Look at me when I talk to you! I’m trying to explain.

There is a precedent for this kind of outburst from Guardiola.

Here in 2011, on the eve of a Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid, the former Barcelona coach discusses his relationship with Jose Mourinho.