FOOTBALL fans were left in stitches at Pep Guardiola’s hilarious reaction to Manchester United being suggested as a potential rival to Manchester City this season.

Last season’s Treble winners have begun the defence of their Premier League title in perfect fashion, winning all five of their games.

Pep Guardiola was discussing Man City’s Premier League rivals this season

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Guardiola laughed when a reporter suggested Man Utd as a potential challenger

As a result, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal are now two points behind Guardiola’s team.

After three losses in their last five games, Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd are already nine points behind their neighborhood rivals.

Guardiola was speaking about the champions’ domestic competition this year prior to Man City’s first Champions League match of the season against Red Star Belgrade at home.

During his press conference, he said: “You know how strong is Arsenal. Yesterday I saw their game at Goodison Park, they are exceptional.

“And Liverpool again and mentalities continue there.”

A reporter then suggested Man Utd as another potential rival – a comment that saw Guardiola respond with a wry chuckle.

He then added: “Well they didn’t start… I think they expect like Chelsea.

“But always they are Man Utd. With Chelsea sooner or later they will take the rhythm.

“But it is important for us after winning the Treble, five to five [five wins out of five] is really, really, really good. Really good.”

Despite attempting to explain himself, social media exploded in response to Guardiola’s instinctive laugh at Man Utd.

One said: “That one there was a violation ting I wouldn’t have it 😭.”

Another added: “Savage smile the moment he heard of Man Utd.”

A third replied: “Once you see Pep touching his lips, you will know he is trying to prevent himself from saying something. Coping mechanism 😂😂.”

While a fourth responded: “This is a big offence to Man U 😂😱.”

Since Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad seven years ago, Manchester United has never finished higher than Man City.

Ten Hag’s team lost to Brighton 3-1 at home before traveling to Bayern Munich for their Champions League debut.

They then travel to Burnley before hosting Crystal Palace for back-to-back Carabao Cup and Premier League games.