Guardiola: United's a 'long distance' from title charge

Pep Guardiola believes the 13 points between Manchester United and Premier League leader Chelsea is a "long distance," but tips Jose Mourinho's side to still compete for Champions League qualification.

While Pep's Manchester City ranks are in the reckoning - positioned fourth, just four points behind Chelsea - United's run of one win in eight has left it marooned in sixth and not possessing the fightback qualities that epitomised Alex Ferguson's long and trophy-laden era.

"I saw the (home draws) against Stoke and Burnley, and other ones at Old Trafford," Guardiola told ESPN FC ahead of Tuesday's Champions League visit from Celtic.

"They deserved by far to win the games but football is like this. United have the quality, the history, the manager, and the players to be there."

But United isn't there right now, and its drab couple of months also sees it 10 points short of City, which occupies the final Champions League qualification berth. Given the vast expenditure highlighted by the world-record acquisition of Paul Pogba in the summer, confirming a 2017-18 campaign in that competition is mandatory.

Chelsea could take some catching for City too, as Antonio Conte's lot took a 3-1 win from the Etihad Stadium last Saturday.

Guardiola continued on United's predicament: "Of course, 13 points is a long distance, especially when one team is winning games with the quality of Chelsea. So it is not easy. But to be in the first four? Of course."

City and United don't reignite their rivalry until Feb. 25's Manchester derby installment in Eastlands.