Guardiola denies Fergie offered him United job as giants prepare to collide in Europe

By Adam Crafton

PUBLISHED: 13:04 EST, 31 March 2014 | UPDATED: 17:16 EST, 31 March 2014


Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has denied suggestions that he was offered the Manchester United job by Sir Alex Ferguson when the two friends met for dinner in New York in September 2012.

The former Manchester United manager had been rumoured to have sounded out Guardiola in the months leading up to his retirement from the Old Trafford club in May 2013, before eventually handing the position to David Moyes. 

'No, it was a friendly dinner,' Guardiola smiled, addressing the media ahead of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United.

No go: Pep Guardiola denied he was offered the Manchester United job by Sir Alex Ferguson

No go: Pep Guardiola denied he was offered the Manchester United job by Sir Alex Ferguson

Touch of class: Bayern stars (left-right) Xherdan Shaqiri, Franck Ribery and Robben compete for the ball

Touch of class: Bayern stars (left-right) Xherdan Shaqiri, Franck Ribery and Robben compete for the ball

At arm's length: Playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger gets to grips with striker Mario Mandzukic (right)

At arm's length: Playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger gets to grips with striker Mario Mandzukic (right)

As it conspired, Guardiola was destined to join Bayern Munich, where the Catalan coach has followed up Jupp Heynckes' treble-winning success during the last campaign with the Bundesliga title this season, and against a beleaguered Manchester United, the Bayern boss admitted that his side were favourites over the two legs.

'All the coaches around the world do not want to be favourites before the tie,' Guardiola admitted,'I have to accept that we are. Last season Bayern won everything and this season we were 25 points ahead of our opponents and we won the title seven games early. But I know in the deep of my heart which team we are going to play against.

'Maybe they have not played a good season in the Premier League but they make a good season in the Champions League. When I see Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Chicharito, Danny Welbeck, I know the quality these player haves. For one game or two games, they can make the best performance of the season and beat us.'

Dinner: Ferguson wined and dined Guardiola before he left Manchester United

Dinner: Ferguson wined and dined Guardiola before he left Manchester United

Master and commander: Bayern boss Pep Guardiola oversees training ahead of their clash with Manchester United

Master and commander: Bayern boss Pep Guardiola oversees training ahead of their clash with Manchester United

Nowhere to hide: Ribery, Dante, Shaqiri, Mandzukic and Schweinsteiger practice in a small group

Nowhere to hide: Ribery, Dante, Shaqiri, Mandzukic and Schweinsteiger practice in a small group

Neuer wary of United threat

Manuel Neuer fears Manchester United could upset the odds and beat Bayern Munich just as Chelsea did in the Champions League final two years ago.

'We just have to think back to two years ago,' the Bayern goalkeeper said.

'Chelsea who finished sixth and won the Champions League, unfortunately for us.
"In the Premier League there have been a number of less than convincing performances (from United) but if you look in the Champions League they fought back at Olympiacos to win 3-0 at home and that shows there's a difference (between their domestic and European form).

'If you look at the history of Manchester United, they are always a big side so there is no time of underestimating them.'

Despite a traumatic first season in charge for Moyes at Old Trafford, which has seen major question marks placed against the Scot's suitability for the job at Manchester United, Guardiola has backed the club's decision to show faith in the former Everton manager.

'Of course. Good things or bad things to all the coaches around the world. I know exactly that it can happen to me tomorrow. No one can have the secrets to eternal success. I have a lot of respect for my colleagues and when Manchester United decided to take David Moyes it is because they are able to do it. Sometimes you need a little more time. The decisions of Manchester United are always right. They believe he is a good coach and did a good job at Everton. Sometimes, you just need a little bit more time. '

Guardiola also reiterated his desire for Toni Kroos to remain at Bayern Munich in the long-term, with the midfielder's contract set to expire in 18 months and the club and player currently engaged in a stand-off over a renewal.

'Toni has one year more of a contract and Toni will remain there. I hope he can extend his contract and stay with us because he is a very good guy, he loves his game, it is not just a job for him and I would like him to stay but I spoke with the player, with the club, I gave my opinion. After that I am not manager, I am just the trainer.'

Chosen one: David Moyes (right) took over from Ferguson at the end of last season

Chosen one: David Moyes (right) took over from Ferguson at the end of last season

Will he, won't he? Bayern hope midfielder Toni Kroos will sign a new deal with the club

Will he, won't he? Bayern hope midfielder Toni Kroos will sign a new deal with the club

He's read the goalkeeping Manuel: Gemany No 1 Neuer gets his hands on the ball in training

He's read the goalkeeping Manuel: Gemany No 1 Neuer gets his hands on the ball in training

 

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From his comments it appears that Guardiola wants Giggs to play tonight. So that old Mr. Giggs would spend almost the whole game giving the ball away to Bayern players - just like he did in the return leg against Olympiakos.

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Pathetic story. Why not include every manager SAF ever met with, or is that the trash you intend to fill your pages with over the next few months?

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He rejected and Fergie look someone else and guess what, he found Moyes.

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Pep - When I see Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Chicharito, Danny Welbeck, I know the quality these player haves. When I see Cleverly... I lol

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"It was only a friendly dinner" I don't believe him for a minute. I think he didn't want to betray Fergie's trust or embarrass Moyes. Let's face it, it's really hard to imagine that Moyes would have been first choice.

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Some one was cheeky enough to store Moyes number in Fergie's mobile with the Guardola. This answers why Moyes got the job.

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Is it too late?!!...he was my first choice..

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COME ON UNITED!

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He's definitely lying to save Moyes the embarrassment, which I respect. Turns out he asked mourinho before Moyes as well, so moyes is at least the third choice, not so much the chosen one then eh? Guardiola is a real class act, I hope he comes to city once pellegrini goes, which I hope isn't for a long time as pellegrini is also a real class act, love the way he's got city playing, such a unique style, high pressure, power, and speed but with such flair and passing. Top drawer.

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Sir Alex must have offered the job to quite a few before , but only a fellow Scott got the message.

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