Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has told the BBC he hopes injuries to "important players" could derail Manchester City's season.
United moved to within five points of Premier League leaders City with a 3-1 win at Arsenal on Saturday, although Pep Guardiola's side have the chance to restore their eight-point advantage when they take on West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking prior to United's win, Pogba was asked on "Football Focus" whether he believed City might slip up before the end of the season.
"I do," he replied. "Someday I hope they're going to slip.
"I hope ... it's bad to say things like that but fortunately for us I hope they will get some very important players injured, like what's happening with us, because people don't see this, don't speak about this, but every time we have, like, players injured, important players, they get injured when there is important games.
"So if that starts happening with them as well maybe we'll get a little difference, you know? A little ... how can I say? A little touch that makes them weaker."
Pogba, who returned to action last month after a two-month absence with a hamstring tear, faces further time on the sidelines after being shown a red card for a challenge on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin on Saturday.
The three-match suspension is set to rule him out of City's visit to Old Trafford on Dec.10, as well as a home game against Bournemouth on Dec.13 and the trip to West Brom on Dec. 17.
Jose Mourinho said after the match that Pogba was unhappy with France teammate Laurent Koscielny's apparent attempts to sway the referee's decision.
"I just know Paul is frustrated," Mourinho said. "A bit disappointed with his colleague Koscielny, with this kind of reaction.
"Paul is very frustrated because everyone knows he is a clean player and it is not his intention to be close to a red card."