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Published on 2024-02-21 21:15:01
Manchester United’s Jim Ratcliffe has praised one of Manchester City’s performances during their Treble-winning season as the best quality football he has ever witnessed.
Pep Guardiola and his players achieved their first UEFA Champions League crown in a history-making campaign that also saw the club win a third successive Premier League title and the FA Cup, overshadowing rivals United.
While their overall success in the Treble had world football talking, it was their performances in Europe that captured the imagination of all, defeating Real Madrid and Bayern Munich en route to final success over Inter in Turkey.
In the semi-final stage of Manchester City’s Champions League success, Old Trafford investor Jim Ratcliffe was watching and offered high praise to Guardiola’s squad.
Speaking to BBC Sport following confirmation of his investment in Manchester United, Ratcliffe pointed towards one Manchester City performance as the ultimate goal for Erik ten Hag’s men.
“When Manchester City played Real Madrid at home in the (UEFA Champions League semi-final) second-leg last season, that was the best football I’ve ever seen,” Ratcliffe told the BBC.
“That first 45 minutes where Real Madrid couldn’t get the ball was the best quality football I’ve ever seen,” he continued. “If we can ever get to that point, then that will be a great achievement for Manchester United.”
Manchester City have started their defense of their European crown strongly this season, cruising through the group phase of the competition with six wins from six and winning their first-leg last-16 tie.
Pep Guardiola and his players face a two-legged affair against FC Copenhagen, defeating the Danish giants 1-3 away from home at Parken earlier this month.
As for Manchester United, Erik ten Hag’s side failed to progress from their group stage campaign, finishing bottom of a group consisting of Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and City’s last-16 opponents.
Read Original article on City Xtra
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