Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both hit hat-tricks in United’s trip to the Etihad last season and we’ve since beat Erik ten Hag’s team in the FA Cup final and at Old Trafford earlier in this campaign.
However, Guardiola knows that those matches will have no impact on what happens come 15:30 (UK) on Sunday.
The boss cites United’s draw with Liverpool in December after a 7-0 defeat in the same fixture last term as an example of how teams can turn it around.
City v Manchester United | Match preview
He also emphasised the importance of each of our last 12 Premier League games if we’re to lift a fourth straight title.
“United went to Anfield last season and lost 7-0. This season everyone said it would be easy for Liverpool. What was the result? They didn’t win,” he said.
“The past is the past. We cannot deny how good he [ten Hag] has done in the past in Amsterdam. In different situations, I know my players will behave in Old Trafford with the right character and do their best.
“It’s going to happen on Sunday and it’s going to be a real tough game. We have to be humble enough to respect our opponent.
“It’s not just the fact of United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa is there. We have to fight week by week to win the title.
“It’s another final for us. It’s here more difficult than Old Trafford, we lost more here. We have to perform really well.
Boyhood City fan and Academy graduate Phil Foden has been pivotal to Guardiola’s plans this season, with fellow Manchester-born Rico Lewis also part of the squad.
Guardiola understands that players who have grown up with a vested interest in the Manchester derby can provide an added ingredient on days like this.
“They know the reality. They have been many times in Etihad Stadium, see the environment and smell what happens,” he stated.
“They adapt quicker. Other players need time to adapt. Here it’s a home, they know the fans, here it’s quick.
“They believe it belongs to me and it’s my home. I need to protect.”
City v Manchester United app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad Stadium in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 14:30 (UK).
Keith Curle and Richard Dunne will be special guests on the broadcast, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Michael Brown while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available with a CITY+ subscription] can be accessed from midnight.
