Pep Guardiola might want to keep his distance after Julia Roberts paid Manchester United players and staff a visit during their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Hollywood actress, who was previously welcomed behind the scenes, now lives in the United States and is a big fan of the Red Devils.

Guardiola’s idol visited Old Trafford in November 2016 to watch Manchester United, who were managed at the time by Jose Mourinho.

Roberts was at Old Trafford at the time with her cinematographer husband Daniel Moder and three children, all of whom are rumoured to be Manchester United supporters.

For the second time, she was granted unfiltered access and posed for photos with United manager Erik ten Hag and other stars at the MetLife Stadium following Saturday’s friendly win over Arsenal.

Julia Roberts (right) of Hollywood met Manchester United players in America on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag (right) presented a personalised Manchester United shirt to Roberts (left).

The Premier League giants also gave her a home shirt with the number one and Roberts on the back, a dig at their cross-city rivals.

With many fans clamouring for photos with the 55-year-old fan, Roberts’ celebrity rivals that of United’s biggest stars.

Marcus Rashford, who had just signed a new long-term contract with his boyhood club, hugged Roberts as the pair posed for a photo.

Casemiro, a Brazilian midfielder, grinned from ear to ear as he stood next to her after some pre-season miles.

Bruno Fernandes, United’s new captain, couldn’t hide his delight, and Scotland international Scott McTominay was overjoyed to meet Roberts.

Summer signing Mason Mount and World Cup-winning center-back Raphael Varane both attended the event.

Bruno Fernandes (left), the new club captain, joined in the fun, posing with Roberts (right).

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously described Roberts as one of his “idols.”

Mason Mount (left), a new signing for the summer, was also given the opportunity to meet the Hollywood star.

Meanwhile, for Guardiola, it’s a case of what could have been, as Roberts confirmed her affection for Manchester United’s red half.

Guardiola admitted to failing in the Champions League two months before his team won it for the first time. Even if I win the Champions League three times in a row, I’ll be a failure.

‘I have three idols in my life. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Julia Roberts are among those featured. These three people are my role models.

‘Julia Roberts arrived in Manchester many years ago, not in the 1990s when Sir Alex Ferguson was winning titles after titles after titles.

‘She came during the four or five years when we were better than United, didn’t she? Instead of coming to see us, she went to see Manchester United.

‘Even if I win the Champions League, it won’t make up for Julia Roberts coming to Manchester and not seeing us.’

Roberts did, however, congratulate Guardiola on his treble-clinching Champions League victory.