Pep Guardiola has been shortlisted for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for January. The City boss oversaw an unbeaten month of domestic action for the reigning champions thanks to three wins and a draw with the side scoring more goals – 15 – than any other top flight team.

Pep Guardiola has told two Premier League managers he ‘wishes he had their team’ amid Manchester City’s poor season. Far from securing a record-extending fifth successive Premier League trophy, Man City face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League after an alarming drop-off this season.

Now coaching Championship side Burnley, Fabrice Muamba said he was pleased to see the way the league was heading this season as Liverpool top the table, who play a more attractive type of football.