Pep Guardiola told Manchester United fans that they shouldn’t be scared about Manchester City emulating their historic treble after Riyad Mahrez’s hat-trick took his team into the FA Cup Final.
Mahrez ended Sheffield United’s hopes of a semi-final upset with a lethal display of finishing that saw him leave Wembley with the match ball.
Now City have a great chance of emulating United’s legends of 1999 by completing a clean sweep of the game’s top silverware.
United face Brighton in the second semi - and could be faced with the prospect of meeting a City team that has won the Premier League for the third successive season and heading for the Champions League Final.
And Guardiola said: “They (United) don’t have to be scared. We are neighbours - and neighbours are always nice to each other. We are still far away (from the Treble).”
Mahrez has been struggling for minutes as City have reeled in Premier League leaders Arsenal and booked a Champions League semi-final showdown with Real Madrid.
But he made his point emphatically after taking over penalty duties from 48-goal Erling Haaland to put City ahead from the spot just before half-time.
Mahrez then struck twice in two minutes to become the first player since 1958 to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup semi-final.
Guardiola, whose team are the first since Everton in 1966 to reach the final without conceding a goal, said: “Riyad plays good in decisive games and non-decisive games.
“He just loves football. He has an amateur spirit. He doesn’t come here, do his job and just go home. He loves it. Riyad is grumpy with me when he doesn’t play - and he makes me notice when he’s grumpy.
“That’s why I am so happy for him now. He has given so much to City - and hopefully he will continue in the future.”
Guardiola added: “We lacked a little bit, but in general it was a really good performance. We saw a vibe in the locker room. To be in the final is double satisfaction.
“What I’m impressed by with this club is everyone – hierarchy, backroom staff – is winning titles, winning titles and we are still there. That is what makes me proud the most as a manager.”
