Pep Guardiola 'proud' of Manchester City despite worst winless run as manager

Pep Guardiola declared himself "proud" of his Manchester City players despite their 1-0 EFL Cup defeat away to Manchester United on Wednesday.

Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game in the 54th minute as United booked a quarter-final date at home to West Ham in a month's time.

While United named a strong starting line-up at Old Trafford, the visitors made a number of changes and gave opportunities to fringe players.

And Guardiola told Sky Sports: "I am so proud of our performance, congratulations to United, but I am so proud of our young players and how we played.

I want to try to win but that's competition. Next season we will try again.

"We had our chances, two or three on the counter…At that level, it's when you are more clinical with the last pass, but it's always difficult against United. We competed well."

Defeat means Guardiola is now in the midst of his worst winless run as a manager, with City failing to win any of their last six matches in all competitions.

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But the City boss did not sound too downbeat after losing to United.

"They did a good job," added Guardiola. "(Pablo) Maffeo was amazing, fighting with (Marcus) Rashford and (Paul) Pogba and he won almost all the duels. I am so proud, we are happy.

"I want to try to win but that's competition. Next season we will try again and we have to try to focus on the next competitions."

City next turn their attentions to the Premier League when they travel to face West Brom on Saturday.

It is not clear if Vincent Kompany will be available for that match after he went off at half-time against United.

Guardiola said afterwards: "He told me he could not play anymore."

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