Manchester United vs Manchester City: Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes another dig at Pep Guardiola ahead of derby

The Swedish striker previously worked under Guardiola during his year-long stay at Barcelona

Ibrahimovic arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer (Getty)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a thinly-veiled dig at Pep Guardiola before the pair meet in Saturday lunchtime’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United striker worked under Manchester City’s new manager during his year-long stay at Barcelona during the 2009/10 season.

Ibrahimovic’s relationship with Guardiola broke down over the course of their time together and he later described the Catalan coach as a “spineless coward” in his autobiography.

The Swedish striker, who joined United on a free transfer this summer, has now compared Guardiola’s style unfavourably to that of Jose Mourinho, his current manager.

“He (Mourinho) is direct with everyone,” Ibrahimovic said. “He will not go behind your back, he will tell you. I prefer it like that.

“Wherever Guardiola has gone he has won and he has been very successful,” he added. “How he works today I don't know and I don't care because he is not my coach.”

When questioned on his relationship with Ibrahimovic on Friday, Guardiola made his respect for the 35-year-old striker clear.

Guardiola did, however, reach for the moral high ground by claiming that he never attacked him through the media.

“He explained in his book about what he believes,” Guardiola said.

“Always I was clear, I spoke with him face to face. I never used the media to explain what I wanted from Zlatan on the pitch.”