Pep Guardiola has joked he will be supporting Manchester United in their clash with Liverpool this weekend - though he quickly retracted the claim.

Guardiola's Manchester City side are locked in a three-way fight for the Premier League title and currently sit third in the top-flight. Liverpool meanwhile lead the way, with their trip to United one of the more tricky games left for them this season.

The Reds are three points ahead of City after beating Brighton on Sunday, while Guardiola's men played out a bore draw with Arsenal, who are second. Though City and United are fierce rivals, Guardiola would be forgiven for supporting Erik ten Hag's side this weekend.

A defeat or draw for Liverpool at Old Trafford would blow the race for the title wide open. But while Guardiola initially suggested he is tempted to back Ten Hag's side, he quickly pulled back his support.

"Always I support United!" Guardiola joked when asked if he would support United. When pressed on whether he was being serious, the City boss replied: "Not really, but anyway…"

While he will not be supporting United, it does not appear like Guardiola will be backing Liverpool either. The Reds are desperate to win the title in what is Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge.

Guardiola has refused to join the bandwagon of people hoping Klopp finishes his reign on a high though. He responded by saying: "I don't have an opinion now. I had two years [ago], now I don't have it."

While some City fans will be watching United's clash against Liverpool with keen interest, Guardiola is focused on his team's own games. Next up is Aston Villa, the last side to beat City, and Guardiola is wary of the Birmingham side.

"It's just winning games, that's what we have to do. We have not many chances to drop points. Aston Villa are playing to qualify for the Champions League, every team plays for something, so the last few games will be difficult to manage," he said.

"Our experience [of strong finishes] is over, it doesn't count. What counts is Aston Villa. Being able to win lots of games in a row before, I don't know how many [we can win] now. The only thing is how to beat Aston Villa.

"[It's] excellent, the way they play. Unai Emery has consistency every season. They've been impressive. It's no surprise, the quality of him, his management and the team. I haven't watched all their games but I think they'll play with the same system and ideas.

"They're good on set-pieces and in transition, with two quick players up front. They have a strong backline and an exceptional goalkeeper. That's why they are where they are. It's the only one where yes, yes, yes, we deserved to lose."

Want to know more about livetscore check out our article