Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester United beat Manchester City to the signing of Harry Maguire.
Maguire is set to complete an £80m move to Old Trafford after undergoing a medical at Carrington on Sunday.
He will become the most expensive defender in history once the move is finalised.
Guardiola also made the Leicester centre-back his top defensive target to replace the departed Vincent Kompany - but admitted Manchester City could not match United’s offer.
Maguire is an excellent, top class player, a top class central defender," he said after Sunday’s penalty shoot-out victory against Liverpool in the Community Shield.
"We were interested in him but we could not afford it and United could afford it.
"He made an incredible World Cup, he is strong in the air, good with the ball in the build-up, drive with the ball, and he’s so fast, and he is young.
"He has all the qualities to work for United. Congratulations to United for this signing."
Guardiola believes Maguire will turn Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side into genuine title challengers.
But on the evidence of a fiercely-contested clash at Wembley, Liverpool look like they will pose the fiercest threat to the Premier League champions.
Guardiola said: “I don’t know if it’ll be like last season. United and others have bought.
“There will be many contenders this time. We’re so happy (to beat Liverpool), but we also realised what team we’re facing for the rest of the season: the champions of Europe.
“They are a top class team. The difference is one point ahead, one penalty.
“Sometimes the coin is on your side, sometimes not. We know how well prepared we have to be to win the titles.”
