He told reporters: “Yes, many years they have done it. Many years but it’s not news. It’s just when City spend money. Of course I am concerned for many years [about] how good they are. Because every year they are better and getting better. You see Arsenal playing at the same level as last season, I saw the game against [Bayer] Leverkusen – they are on fire. Every year looks more difficult; United will be back, you know? They bought players and everyone wants the crown that we have [had] for four years.”

City’s net spend is far less than Chelsea, United, and Arsenal over the past five years but they have still spent heavily during their recent period of dominance. Despite not splashing the cash as much as others, they have won the Premier League four times in a row – something Guardiola clearly relishes.

Guardiola made the comments ahead of their Community Shield clash with Erik ten Hag’s United at Wembley on Saturday. Eight days later, they begin their Premier League title defence away at Chelsea.