The most critical Manchester derby in years will be played amid a festering managerial row, with Pep Guardiola accusing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of piling undue pressure on the referee with claims of City’s tactical fouling.

Solskjaer said City will use ‘aggressive’ means ‘snapping at heels and ankles’ to halt Manchester United counter-attacks in the Old Trafford meeting – repeating an assertion made by predecessor Jose Mourinho against the champions last season.

Guardiola, who had earlier expressed his sympathy for Solskjaer’s tough rebuilding job at United, was visibly shocked and irritated by the allegation.

“Did he say that?” said the City boss.

“So we are going to make fouls to them? I don’t like it. No. My team is not built for that, not at all.