According to reports emerging from Manchester, United officials tried to lure Pep Guardiola to Old Trafford as the “Spaniard received 11th hour ‘overtures’” before committing his future to Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson had previously revealed that he had spoken to Pep Guardiola regarding the prospect of managing Manchester United following the Scotsman’s retirement in 2013. However, the former Barcelona manager decided to join Bayern Munich, as United were left with David Moyes in charge of the first team.
United face yet another rejection
As reported by The Guardian, United made a late offer to the Spaniard with the hope of appointing him as Louis van Gaal’s successor at the club. United aren’t the only club to be rejected by Pep Guardiola as Chelsea too tried to unsuccessfully sign him following his decision to leave Bayern Munich.
The report claimed: “In the end Guardiola chose to join Bayern Munich, yet sources at City indicated that United had tried to revive the deal, with Chelsea also making overtures to the Spaniard having sacked José Mourinho at the end of last year.”
What next for Manchester United?
This will be the second time Pep Guardiola has rejected the opportunity to manage Manchester United, as the club continues to look for Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor. Louis van Gaal has been publicly chastised by critics and fans alike with reports suggesting that United will only sack the Dutchman once they have a reputable replacement in place.
While many see Ryan Giggs as a potential candidate to take over the reins from Van Gaal this summer, it will be interesting to see if the club take the risk of appointing an uninitiated manager, especially with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in charge of rival Premier League clubs.
United could also be forced into appointing Jose Mourinho following Manchester City’s statement announcing Pep Guardiola’s appointment at the club.