Guardiola names Matic, Maguire among 5 United players who impressed against City

- Pep Guardiola believes Man United are headed in the right direction despite their inconsistencies

- The Red Devils stunned City at Etihad but crashed out of the Carabao Cup on goal aggregate

- City will now take on Aston Villa in the finals of the tournament to be played in Wembley

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has reserved special praise for five Man United players following his side's 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup at Etihad Stadium.

The Wednesday night, January 29, clash saw Nemanja Matic score the solitary goal that separated the two sides in the first half, before being sent off in the 76th minute.

Despite the buoyant performance, United still crashed out of the tournament, with City advancing to the finals on a 3-2 goal aggregate.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been on the receiving end for the Red Devils' inconsistent performances this season, with a section of fans calling for his sacking.

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However, Guardialo has moved to offer United a shimmer of hope, insisting the City rivals are heading in the right direction.

"The quality of the players up front is incredible. I had the feeling, I said before when we lost at home against them, they are trying to do what the manager Ole wants, and I think it works," Guardiola said according to Metro UK.

"In time, they will do it and be back to what United was for many years," he continued.

The Spaniard tactician further singled out Matic, Fred, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw for their impressive performances against his side.

"Lindelof I saw him in Benfica, Luke Shaw is an incredible type of player, Maguire, one of the best central defenders in the world. The people up front they are so fast. Matic and Fred, they are incredible players," the ex-Bayern boss declared.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Jesse Lingard was scolded by Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during their Carabao Cup loss to Man City.

The England attacker lost possession in the second half which got the Norwegian manager angry and got him animated on the touchline.

When camera panned on Solskjaer, the coach appeared to have shouted at the winger: "One more time and you're f***ing off!"

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Source: Legit.ng