Pep Guardiola makes unusual complaint after Manchester City's win over Manchester United: 'It's not good'

Pep Guardiola has hit out at ball manufacturers after Manchester City's Community Shield win over rivals Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

City trailed Erik ten Hag's side, with the Premier League champions needing a late equaliser from Bernardo Silva to force a penalty shootout.

Guardiola's men kept their cool from the penalty spot, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson all converting from 12 yards.

But despite the victory, Guardiola was frustrated by the quality of the balls, supplied by sportswear manufacturer Mitre.

After the win, Guardiola told ITV: “It's like a ball… I'm sorry they decided to play with the ball but it's not good.”

Guardiola's frustrations with the equipment were on display during the game, with the Catalan coach visibly annoyed when several of his City players' passes were kicked out.

Express Sport has contacted Mitre for comment.

City's players, at least 12 yards out, did not appear to have any problems with the ball, as they scored all but one of their eight penalties.

Bernardo was the only man missing for the Blues as they claimed their first Community Shield win since 2019.

On his players' performance, the City manager added: “I enjoyed the season against our rivals Manchester and to start the season with a title is good. We are really pleased.

“We lost a lot of balls. After the transitions, they are one of the best teams in the world. They are very dangerous to control. But in the end, we managed it.”

Guardiola continued: “It's nice to play this game because it means you won something the previous season.

“We see now how the players are coming back. The goal is no longer to win the Premier League, but to say: 'OK, next game… try to win it'. That's what we have to do.”

Attention will immediately turn to next weekend, when City return to the capital for their opening game of the Premier League season.

Chelsea face the recent Community Shield winners, a team City have already beaten in pre-season.

A rampaging Haaland scored three goals for the Etihad Stadium side, while talented youngster Oscar Bobb was also on the scoresheet when the two met in the United States last week.

After that, City return to Manchester for their first home game of the campaign, welcoming newcomers Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium.