John Guidetti of Celta Vigo

Former Manchester City striker John Guidetti aims to “keep the city blue” as his side Celta Vigo prepare to take on Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

Guidetti joined City in 2008 as a 16-year-old but struggled to break into the first team during his six years spent at the club.

Loans away from the Etihad brought better success for the Sweden international, who enjoyed a successful spell with Feyenoord in 2011-12 where he scored 20 goals from 23 appearances.

Further loan spells at Stoke and Celtic followed, before the 25-year-old secured a permanent move to Celta in 2015.

Manchester United travel to Balaidos for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo

Speaking ahead of the clash against United, Guidetti told uefa.com: "I played in England and lived in Manchester for six years, so I follow both of the teams there."

Guidetti believes Celta's spirit has played a big part in their Europa League journey and remains confident the Spanish side can provide an upset when they take on United at the Balaidos.

United progressed to the semis as Marcus Rashford hit an extra-time winner in their 3-2 aggregate win over Anderlecht last month

"[United are] a very good team. Obviously they've got a good manager, a fantastic stadium, and they're one of the favourites to win the Europa League but, as they say 'Manchester is blue' and that's how it will be when we visit there as well, because we are Celta Vigo and we will try to keep the city blue," he said.

"We believed from the start that we could get to the final. I think we've showed it in the way we play - we've never given up."

Guidetti acknowledged the importance of turning out in Europe and insists Jose Mourinho's men aren't alone in targeting Champions League qualification.

Guidetti failed to feature for Manchester City's first-team during his time at the Etihad

He added: "We also know what's at stake - not only that you win the Europa League, which is huge, but you can also win a place in the Champions League. You have dreams about that.

"In football, strange things happen if you believe and I think with the mentality we've built here, nothing is impossible."