Local rivals Manchester United were in “genuine shock” when Pep Guardiola took over at Manchester City in 2016, believing they were on the verge of signing him as their next manager.
After turning down a transfer to Old Trafford to take over as manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola left Manchester United in “genuine shock.” Guardiola began a new dynasty in February 2016 when it was announced that he would succeed Manuel Pellegrini as manager the following season. Since then, City has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Champions League.
Notably, they became the second English team to win a continental treble in 2023, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s United victory in 1999. It has since come to light, though, that United was certain they would acquire Guardiola in 2016 rather than City.
Guardiola’s future became a major topic of conversation for the remainder of the season as the Spaniard declared in December 2015 that he would be departing Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign. Carlo Ancelotti was promptly appointed as his replacement.
The new book States of Play claims that United felt an agreement was “close” to being reached with Guardiola’s team over his possible replacement of Louis van Gaal. According to reports, United thought their “history and stature” would be more valuable than City’s more attractive contract offer. However, Guardiola eventually joined City, and United chose to choose long-time rival Jose Mourinho as their new manager. Ferguson has previously acknowledged that when he retired from Old Trafford in 2013, he wanted Guardiola to take his place.
‘Leading’, Ferguson’s 2015 book, recalled: “I had dinner with Pep Guardiola in New York in 2012, but I couldn’t make him any direct suggestion because retirement wasn’t on my plan at that time. “With Barcelona, he had already won an impressive amount of titles, and I held him in high regard. Before accepting an offer from another club, I requested Pep to give me a call. However, he didn’t, and in July 2013, he ended up joining Bayern Munich.
In 2017, when questioned about the conversation with Ferguson, Guardiola claimed he couldn’t recall the request. Guardiola clarified, “I don’t remember if he said to me something like I go to Old Trafford.”
“I don’t recall, but I know he said that. He never sent me a message beneath the table saying, “You know maybe United…” or something like, even though we talked about life, football, and the Premier League. “It was just two buddies, close friends and football teammates, discussing a wide range of topics. I recall that it was challenging to understand him when he spoke a little too quickly! However, it was pleasant because he paid, of course, and picked a fantastic restaurant.