Pep Guardiola’s decision to join Manchester City in 2016, rather than Manchester United, sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly at Old Trafford, where the club had been optimistic about securing his services. In what became one of the most significant managerial moves of modern football, Guardiola’s switch to City marked the beginning of a new era at the Etihad Stadium—a period that has seen the club achieve unparalleled success, including winning the Champions League for the first time, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Yet, what makes Guardiola’s move so intriguing is the revelation that, at the time, Manchester United was convinced they were on the verge of securing him as their manager.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded in 2016, when Guardiola announced he would be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of that season. The decision sent ripples through the footballing world, as speculation swirled over where the highly sought-after Spanish manager would end up. Guardiola had previously enjoyed immense success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and his reputation as one of the best managers in the world was already firmly established. His next career move was expected to be one of the most significant in the sport.
Manchester United, at that time under the management of Louis van Gaal, was in turmoil. Van Gaal’s tenure had been plagued by inconsistent performances, and United’s long-running struggle to return to the top of English football had left the club in need of a transformative figure. Guardiola, given his remarkable success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, was seen as the perfect candidate to lead United back to the summit.
According to a new book, *States of Play*, United’s hierarchy was actively engaged in talks with Guardiola’s representatives, and the club was confident that a deal was imminent. Sources suggest that United believed their “history and stature” would prove more compelling than City’s financial offer, which, while lucrative, paled in comparison to United’s legacy and influence in world football. United felt certain that Guardiola, who had won multiple Champions League titles and La Liga trophies at Barcelona, would choose them over their noisy neighbors.
However, in a stunning twist, Guardiola opted to sign with Manchester City, leaving United in “genuine shock.” The decision to choose City over United marked a seismic shift in Manchester football, and it would have far-reaching consequences for both clubs.
In the aftermath of Guardiola’s decision, United turned to José Mourinho, another of Guardiola’s fierce rivals, to take over at Old Trafford. Mourinho, who had previously managed Chelsea and Inter Milan, brought with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for success in major leagues. However, despite winning three trophies in his first season at United, Mourinho’s tenure at Old Trafford was ultimately short-lived, with United failing to compete consistently for major titles under his leadership.
The contrasting fortunes of the two Manchester clubs in the years that followed have only served to underline the significance of Guardiola’s decision. Under his stewardship, Manchester City has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into one of the most dominant teams in world football. The club’s tactical sophistication, style of play, and consistency under Guardiola have set them apart, culminating in their 2023 continental treble—becoming only the second English club in history to achieve such a feat, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s United in 1999.
Meanwhile, United has experienced a more tumultuous period since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Despite a series of high-profile managerial appointments, including the likes of David Moyes, Van Gaal, and Mourinho, the club has struggled to regain its former dominance. The decision to appoint Mourinho, although initially seen as a coup, ultimately did little to return United to the pinnacle of English football.
Looking back at the events that transpired, it is clear that the path that Guardiola took was pivotal not only for Manchester City but for the trajectory of both clubs. United’s failure to land Guardiola has been widely regarded as one of the most significant missteps in the club’s history, while City’s acquisition of the Spaniard marked the start of an unprecedented era of success.
Guardiola’s relationship with United extends beyond his 2016 decision to join City. Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s legendary former manager, had long harbored hopes of bringing Guardiola to Old Trafford. Ferguson himself has admitted that he wanted Guardiola to succeed him when he retired in 2013, but the timing was never right. In his 2015 autobiography *Leading*, Ferguson revealed that he had even met with Guardiola in 2012 while the Spaniard was still at Barcelona. Ferguson recounted a dinner with Guardiola in New York, where the two discussed football, life, and the future. Ferguson, at that time, was not ready to step down and could not make any formal offer to Guardiola, but he did ask the Catalan to contact him before accepting a move to another club. However, Guardiola did not reach out, and by the time Ferguson retired in 2013, Guardiola had already made the move to Bayern Munich.
When asked about the meeting with Ferguson, Guardiola dismissed the idea that a direct offer was made. Speaking in 2017, Guardiola said: “I don’t remember if he suggested anything about Old Trafford. We spoke about life, football, the Premier League, but it was just two friends talking. We didn’t talk about coaching jobs.”
Despite the denial of any formal proposal, Ferguson’s wish to see Guardiola at United was clear, and the subsequent failure to secure him in 2016 has been a point of reflection for many involved at the club. Guardiola’s decision to move to City, in hindsight, has proven to be a masterstroke for the club’s ambitions, while United has continued to search for a manager who can restore the glory days.
As the two Manchester clubs continue to battle for supremacy in the Premier League, the rivalry between City and United remains fierce, with Guardiola’s legacy at City set to be a defining one. United, meanwhile, still finds itself in pursuit of the kind of managerial leadership that Guardiola has provided City, and the missed opportunity of 2016 will forever remain one of the great “what ifs” in football history.