REVEALED: Pep Guardiola could have been Man United manager – If Ferguson’s accent was clear

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he would have considered taking the Manchester United job had Sir Alex Ferguson’s offered it to him in a what that he would somewhat understand.

Guardiola, 46, revealed that the former Man United manager invited him to a fancy restaurant, possibly trying to line him up as his successor at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, the Spaniard could not understand what Ferguson was saying – his English accent was too hard for Pep to grasp at the time. So he did not really know if he was offered the job or not.

He said that Ferguson mentioned something about Old Trafford when they met but was peaking too fast.

“My English in that period was not as good as it is right now – and so maybe I just didn't understand what Sir Alex said, We met in a magnificent restaurant for dinner and I think he has said he suggested to me something about going to Old Trafford.

“But I really don’t remember that! We spoke about life, about football, about the Premier League. But there was no message sent to me under the table about United. I think I would remember that! But what I do remember is that Sir Alex spoke really fast and it was difficult to understand him! But it was nice because he chose an amazing restaurant – and of course he paid!” said Guardiola.

Guardiola, who has won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and the Spanish La Liga with Barcelona added that he had no regrets about joining United’s fierce rivals Manchester City since they showed more efforts in wanting him.

The ‘Cityzens’ travel to Old Trafford today to face Man United in the first competitive Manchester Derby of the 2017/18 season and Guardiola will be looking to extend City’s lead at the top of the table.


Last season’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford ended with a 2-1 win for City courtesy of strikes from Kevin de Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho.