The headline fixture of the Premier League’s return following the first international break of the season sees City and United go head-to-head once again. Surprisingly, City sit above United in the table after losses to Brighton and Tottenham and will hope to bounce back against a United side who still look shaky under manager Ruben Amorim.
Who will be City's first choice keeper?
Guardiola first spoke on the goalkeeper situation which now includes James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma in what is a tough choice for who will start between the sticks.
“I will not demand that Gigi does something he is not comfortable with.
“We didn't take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has another quality. We have the potential with the keepers that we have to use them.
“He is so tall, he is so huge. He is a big presence on the big stages. He did it in the Champions League last season. He is going to concede goals but all the while we will try and help him.
“James Trafford is the keeper for Man City, the keepers we can only have one. We have a season with many games and everyone will be involved.”
Marmoush will be out for weeks
Guardiola then spoke on injuries as he heads into the United clash with a number of players watching from the sidelines.
"Omar (Marmoush) came from Egypt injured. Rayan Ait Nouri and Rayan Cherki are out. John Stones is a doubt but not a 'big issue'. The rest are okay
“We have to wait for tests (on Marmoush) but a few weeks I think. Before the international break, he will be ready.
Guardiola waves goodbye to summer departures
He then moved on to summer arrivals and departures and opened up on those players who gave so much to the side but departed last month.
"First of all they deserve some words for Ederson, Gundogan and Manu (Manuel Akanji). It was unthinkable what we would have done without them.
"Eddie helped us to created as special way for the best decade for this club. Gundo and Manu the same, Gundo is one of my best signings for the club. for different reasons but I wish them all the best as they helped us become who we are.
"Eddie wanted to try and new experience and the market gave us a chance to take Gigi (Donnarumma). He is 26-year-old with incredible experience".
Isak vs Haaland
Guardiola was also questioned on Liverpool boss Arne Slot stating that Alexander Isak is the best striker in the world and revealed that he thinks Erling Haaland is better and would not change him for anyone.
"A little bit above. Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top.
"Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say Mbappe, Messi, Cristiano… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him."
Squad changes will make a big impact
Finally, Guardiola spoke on whether the changes in the squad makes it feel like when he first arrived in 2016 after a lot of squad changes were made.
"I had hair back then. Ten years is a long time. But yes (it does) when you change 10 players who were really important.
"The club helped to make the first step to change over many, many years. At any club there is always changes and when you change 10 players in four five months everything needs to be settled, fixed and consistent. We are still doing many (good) things but we still need to be more consistent than we have been, but step-by-step we will do it."