Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to Pep Guardiola over Man Utd job as Man City exit emerges
### Pep Guardiola’s Manchester United Dream: A Tale of Two Clubs and One Manager
**Pep Guardiola has long been one of football’s most coveted managers, and rumors of his potential move to Manchester United have swirled for years. However, Guardiola has recently dismissed the possibility of taking the reins at Old Trafford once his contract with Manchester City expires.**
#### Guardiola’s Illustrious Career at Manchester City
Since joining Manchester City from Bayern Munich eight years ago, Guardiola has transformed the club into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, City has secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a coveted Champions League trophy. Despite his immense success, Guardiola’s current contract is set to end after the 2024/25 season, and insiders suggest that he might leave the Etihad Stadium at that time.
#### The United Connection: A Conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson
Before Guardiola’s tenure at City, he was linked with the managerial position at Manchester United. The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of United, even extended an invitation to discuss the possibility. This connection is detailed in Marti Perarnau’s book “Pep Confidential,” where Guardiola expressed his admiration for Old Trafford.
Perarnau writes, “I like this atmosphere. I could see myself coaching here one day.” This sentiment was echoed during Guardiola’s visit to Manchester United in 2011. After witnessing United’s 4-1 victory over Schalke in the Champions League semi-final, Guardiola confided in his personal assistant, Manuel Estiarte, about his affinity for the club and its storied atmosphere.
#### A Meeting of Minds: Dinner with Ferguson
In his book “Leading,” Sir Alex Ferguson recounts a dinner he had with Guardiola in New York in 2012. At the time, Ferguson was not considering retirement, and thus, no formal offer was made. Nevertheless, the meeting underscored the mutual respect between the two football icons and hinted at what could have been.
#### The Future: Guardiola’s Next Move
As the end of Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City approaches, speculation about his next move intensifies. Despite previous hints that he could see himself managing Manchester United, Guardiola has now dismissed the possibility. His focus remains on leading City to further success in his remaining time at the Etihad.
While the dream of seeing Guardiola at Old Trafford may not come to fruition, his impact on Manchester football is undeniable. As fans and pundits alike await his next chapter, one thing is certain: Guardiola’s legacy in the Premier League will be remembered for years to come.
#### Final Thoughts
Pep Guardiola’s journey in football is a testament to his unparalleled skill and vision as a manager. Whether he stays in Manchester or moves on to new challenges, his contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. For now, the football world watches closely, eager to see where Guardiola’s path will lead next.
