“It would send the squad a message that nobody – even the two best players at the club – was safe from criticism. It would help to make sure a talented group of footballers kept their feet on the ground.
“So maybe Guardiola is doing that. Maybe he is poking De Bruyne in order to make sure the rest are ready to up their levels ahead of the most important part of a season that has not always felt easy for them. For all I know, De Bruyne may even be in on it.”
City are five points behind Arsenal in the title race. Ferguson was managing United when the Gunners last finished top of the pile in 2004.
Guardiola’s side don’t play in the league again until April 1. Arsenal can extend the gap to eight points when they play Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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