The Reds have lost 10 of their 26 Premier League fixtures this season and face a City side 15 points ahead of them in the table.
But Erik ten Hag’s side have won six successive matches on the road in all competitions and for that reason alone, Guardiola is ignoring the current league standings.
“Always I expect the best from our opponents. Always,” said Pep.
“The best performance from them is always what I expect.
“I expect the best, but I don’t talk one word about what they do because I respect them too much.
“I have a lot of respect for the institution, Erik, and the players. When I know what my players have to do, they will know it today and tomorrow.
“There have been good seasons with Jose [Mourinho] and Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer]. They have been second fighting.
“But they were there. What I learn with my experience in these games, more calm, relax.
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“Don’t talk about many things, just focus on tactical issues. The emotion will be there.
“Prepare the game knowing their quality. They were able to go to Wolves - how difficult it is, there - Luton and Aston Villa with the quality they have, to go there and win. It was a few weeks ago.
“They have the incredible quality. One action, they create something special in set-pieces, transitions, open play.
“Always has been that way for United. When they play well, they win games.
“In 2024, they lost just one game, it was last week at home. The consistency is there. So we will prepare the game tactically for what we have to do to get three points.”
The boss was also asked if the latest Manchester derby highlights City’s dominance in recent years when it comes to domestic football.
He responded by indicating that success comes in cycles and that he wants to keep City’s going as long as possible.
“The 1980s was Liverpool, 1990s was United. Now we are winning seven Premier League titles in last decade, 11, 12 years,” he said.
“It happens. In 50, 60 years there have never been one club to control everything.
“We want to extend [our success] for many years – that is what we are trying to do.
“The consistency is proved against Luton. What Rob Edwards is doing there proves exactly what we have done in many years. That made me so proud.”
