Pep Guardiola believes the signing of Harry Maguire can turn Manchester United into title challengers in the new campaign.
United are set to announce Maguire as their third signing of the summer after the Leicester defender underwent a medical at the club's training complex over the weekend in a move which will make him the world's most expensive defender.
The deal is expected to cost United £80million and Guardiola revealed he wanted the England centre back at the Etihad but the huge price tag meant City lost out to their rivals.
Asked if the addition of Maguire could push United towards the title Guardiola replied: "Yeah, Maguire is an excellent, top class player. We were interested but we could not afford it and United can afford it.
"He made an incredible World Cup, strong in the air, good with the ball and drives with the ball so fast and young and has all the qualities to work for United. Congratulations to United for the signing."
Last season saw a vast gulf between City and Liverpool and the rest of the top six as they scrapped it out to finish in the Champions League places but Guardiola is not writing off any of the opposition.
"At the beginning there are five or six teams who are contenders," said the City boss. "I don’t care if people say we are going to win titles. It doesn’t matter about the recent years with United. They’re always contenders."
