Manchester United were left in a state of 'genuine shock' when Pep Guardiola snubbed them to become Manchester City's manager, according to new revelations.
The Spanish tactician was announced as Manuel Pellegrini's successor at the Etihad Stadium in February 2016, marking the start of a successful era that saw City clinch their first Champions League title, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
Notably, they achieved a continental treble in 2023, emulating Sir Alex Ferguson's 1999 triumph with United. 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.
As per the new book States of Play, United were in discussions with Guardiola's representatives about him potentially replacing Louis van Gaal and felt a deal was 'close'.
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It is suggested that United thought their 'history and stature' would trump City's more lucrative contract offer. However, Guardiola chose City, leading to United appointing his long-time adversary Jose Mourinho.
It is worth noting that Ferguson had previously expressed his desire for Guardiola to succeed him at Old Trafford upon his retirement in 2013.
In his revealing 2015 autobiography 'Leading', Sir Alex Ferguson recounted a pivotal New York dinner with Pep Guardiola in 2012, musing: "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."
About the potential of enticing Guardiola to Old Trafford, he noted: "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."
The City boss later commented on this dinner in 2017, expressing uncertainty about Ferguson's intentions: "If he suggested to me something like I go to Old Trafford, I don't remember," Guardiola asserted.
"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."
Reflecting on their conversation, Guardiola remarked: "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."
