Pep Guardiola became Man City manager in 2016 (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)
Manchester United were left in a state of “real shock” when Pep Guardiola snubbed them to become Manchester City manager, according to new revelations.
The Spanish tactician was announced as Manuel Pellegrini's successor at the Etihad Stadium in February 2016, ushering in an era of success that saw City win their first Champions League title, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cup and four League Cups.
They notably completed a continental treble in 2023, emulating Sir Alex Ferguson's 1999 triumph with United. However, it has now emerged that United are confident of securing Guardiola's services in 2016.
After announcing his departure from Bayern Munich in December 2015, speculation about Guardiola's next transfer was rife.
According to new book States of Play, United were in discussions with Guardiola's representatives over his possible replacement for Louis van Gaal and believed a deal was 'close'.
It is suggested that United believed their “history and stature” would outweigh City’s more lucrative contract offer. However, Guardiola chose City, leading United to appoint their long-time adversary Jose Mourinho.
It is worth noting that Ferguson had previously expressed his desire for Guardiola to succeed him at Old Trafford following his retirement in 2013.
In his revealing 2015 autobiography “Leading,” Sir Alex Ferguson recounted a pivotal dinner in New York with Pep Guardiola in 2012, musing: “I had dinner with Pep Guardiola in New York in 2012, but I didn't was able to make a direct proposal to him due to my retirement. was not on my agenda at that time. »
On the potential of luring Guardiola to Old Trafford, he noted: “He had already won an enviable number of trophies with Barcelona… and I admired him a lot.
“I asked Pep to call me before accepting an offer from another club, but he didn't and ended up joining Bayern Munich in July 2013.”
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola gives a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League soccer match against Sporting CP at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on November 4, 2024. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The City manager later commented on that dinner in 2017, expressing uncertainty about Ferguson's intentions: “If he suggested something like going to Old Trafford, I don't remember that,” Guardiola claimed .
“I know he said that but I don't remember. We talked about life, football, the Premier League but he never sent me a message under the table to say: ' you know, maybe United…' or something like that.”
Reflecting on their conversation, Guardiola said: “They were just two friends, good friends, football colleagues, talking about a lot of things.
“I remember when he spoke a little fast it was hard to understand him! But it was good because he chose a great restaurant and, of course, he paid.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1972956/Pep-Guardiola-Man-Utd-Man-City