Man Utd was left in 'genuine shock' over Pep Guardiola decision

Manchester United were left in a state of 'genuine shock' when chose to manage their city rivals, , over them.

The announcement came in February 2016 that Guardiola would be taking over from Manuel Pellegrini, marking the start of a new era that saw City clinch the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups. Notably, , becoming only the second English club to do so after Sir Alex Ferguson's United in 1999. However, it has now emerged that United were confident of securing Guardiola's services in 2016.

After announcing his departure from Bayern Munich in December 2015, speculation about Guardiola's next move was rife. According to the new book States of Play, United were in discussions with Guardiola about him potentially replacing Louis van Gaal and felt a deal was 'close'.

United reportedly believed their 'history and stature' would trump City's more lucrative contract offer. However, Guardiola ultimately signed with City, leaving United to appoint his long-time rival Jose Mourinho. It's worth noting that Ferguson had previously expressed his desire for Guardiola to succeed him at Old Trafford upon his retirement in 2013.

In his 2015 memoir, 'Leading', Sir Alex Ferguson shared: "I had dinner with Pep Guardiola in New York in 2012, but couldn't make him any direct proposal because retirement was not on my agenda at that point. He had already won an enviable number of trophies with Barcelona... and I admired him greatly. I asked Pep to phone me before he accepted an offer from another club, but he didn't and wound up joining Bayern Munich in July 2013."

When quizzed about the meeting with Ferguson in 2017, Guardiola claimed he doesn't recall the request. "If he suggested to me something like I go to Old Trafford, I don't remember," Guardiola stated.

"I know he has said that but I don't remember. We spoke about life, about football, the Premier League but he never sent me a message under the table to say, 'you know maybe United...' or something like that."

"It was just two friends, good friends, colleagues in football, talking about many things. I remember when he spoke a little bit fast it was difficult to understand him! But it was nice because he chose an amazing restaurant and, of course, he paid."

Liverpool.com says: What could have been for Manchester United. Pep Guardiola probably couldn't have fixed all of United's issues but they'd be a damn sight better with him.

Although, we're not entirely sure his side stopping Jurgen Klopp win so many trophies is entirely better.