Pep Guardiola reacts to Ruben Amorim sacking at Man United - 'Could have been close to Arsenal'

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given his view on Manchester United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola feels that sacked Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was not far away from constructing a team capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League. Guardiola faced the media on Tuesday ahead of City's Premier League game with Brighton on Wednesday and was asked about United's decision to axe Amorim.

The Reds are sixth in the table but the Portuguese hit out at the club hierarchy recently and gave an extraordinary press conference following the weekend draw with Leeds which ultimately proved his final act as United boss.

Guardiola, who is approaching 10 years in charge at City, believes managers are getting less and less time to make an impact, with Amorim departing Old Trafford after 14 months in charge. And the Etihad chief pointed to three home games that hampered Amorim, with dropped points at Old Trafford the difference between sitting sixth or challenging the current top three of Arsenal, City and Aston Villa.

"Like what happened with Enzo (Maresca, who was sacked by Chelsea earlier this month.) I cannot say anything for the respect of the players and institutions. Like Enzo, he (Amorim) is a top manager. The decision has been made by our neighbours. I wish Ruben all the best in the future."

Guardiola added: "I don't think there's a country where if you don't win games you are safe. Normally if you don't get results it doesn't matter the past or the present. They hire you with a perspective for your ideas and you are sacked for results.

"Sometimes you need a process and time. At United, they draw three games at home - against Everton who had 10 against 11 for 70 minutes, against Bournemouth and Wolves. They could have been close to Arsenal.

"The gaps are so small and now you see United have had a lot of absences like we have right now and it's difficult with players at the Africa Cup of Nations and important players not available."

United have managed just one win in their lest five home games, beating Newcastle on Boxing Day. 10-man Everton beat Amorim's side 1-0 while West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves all picked up a point at Old Trafford.