'If Pep Guardiola managed Manchester United they would win the Premier League', claims Jamie Carragher

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Jamie Carragher believes there is more than just money that separates the Premier League's top two clubs - Manchester City and Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola's men opened up a 15-point lead at the top of the table this week, prompting Jose Mourinho to call for more funds in the transfer market, despite an outlay of nearly £300m in over 18 months.

United have seen their title challenge disappear this month, dropping seven points in five games while City's winning run has extended to an astonishing 18 matches.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City went 15 points clear at the top of the table this week

Manchester United have dropped seven points in five matches already this month

And Carragher believes the abilities of the respective managers has had more of a say in the likely destination of this season's league title. 

'There is a flaw in Jose Mourinho’s argument that the difference between Manchester United and Manchester City is money', he wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

'If Pep Guardiola was in charge of the United squad I believe they would win the title.

'Rewind to the start of this season and assess the head-to-head qualities of the United and City squads. Player-for-player, which would you argue was superior?

'United broke the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba, and then made Romelu Lukaku the most expensive Premier League player of last summer. Which English clubs made bigger statements of intent?'

Jamie Carragher believes United would win the title if Guardiola was in charge

Carragher claims Mourinho would fail to replicate Guardiola's impact at Manchester City this season, citing his struggles to get the best out of the squad at his disposal at Old Trafford. 

'If Mourinho was coaching the Manchester City side they would not be playing the style of football we are seeing today. If there is a symbol of that look no further than Kevin De Bruyne, a player Mourinho coached at Chelsea but then sold.

'Where Guardiola is delivering in the short-term with an eye on further development, Mourinho is now about the instant hit. Players who may excel in two or three years time do not seem to be of interest as he rarely hangs around at a club to reap the benefits of their progress.'

United have spent nearly £300m in transfer fees in just over 18 months under Mourinho