Pep Talk 22 Jan 2016 17:02

By Frank Mead, Editor

Ultimate United looks at the possible appointment of Josep “Pep” Guardiola in the Old Trafford managerial hot seat.

Earlier this week, Pep Guardiola was reported to have held talk with officials from Old Trafford regarding the possibility of becoming Manchester United’s next manager. Within 24 hours, stories appeared in several newspapers that United had denied this was the case.

First of all, let’s address these rumours. The story, if it is to be believed, is that Manchester United’s board of directors are a little concerned with how things have gone this season. The Red Devils, who topped the table in November, are down to 5^th position after a disastrous December period. The rumours circulating among the press are that they don’t want to give manager Louis van Gaal any more transfer funds, as they are actively seeking to replace him at the end of the season.

After investing around £260 million over the last two years, a Champions League place is there for the taking, but a title challenge does look beyond United at the moment. The story that broke earlier this week stated that Guardiola, due to leave German champions Bayern Munich at the end of the season, held talks with United in a hotel in Paris. The story is believed to have been broken by the same journalist at French newspaper L’Equippe that reported the Anthony Martial transfer last summer. But just because he got one story correct, doesn’t mean he’ll do it every time.

Today, stories have appeared that United are denying this rumour, although there is not a single quotable source from anyone inside Old Trafford. Based on that, you can’t really read anything into this. But even if there was an actual quote from somebody inside the club, they are hardly going to confirm the story while van Gaal remains manager are they?

I would think that Guardiola probably already knows where he is going next season. He has already been quoted as saying that he fancies trying his hand in England. Wherever he goes one thing is certain – it will be the biggest challenge of his career. None of the clubs that he would be likely to take over have the same quality, or strength in depth, as his Barcelona and Bayern sides – there is no Messi, Iniesta, Xavi or Robben in the Premier League. We will finally get to see whether he is as good as everyone is making him out to be, as one of the biggest criticisms levelled at Guardiola is that he has been spoon-fed great teams, none of which were built by him.

At United, there is some serious rebuilding work to be done. A reliable partner for Chris Smalling is a priority, as Daley Blind is no centre back and Phil Jones cannot be relied upon to stay fit. Michael Carrick, Ashley Young (rumoured today to have picked up a groin injury that could keep him out for months) and Antonio Valencia are all the wrong side of 30, and it’s hard to say how long they will be able to continue at this level. In addition to this, United’s lack of options in attack has been well documented by fans and media alike.

Appointing Guardiola would certainly please a lot of United fans, disillusioned with the current style of football and seeming reluctance to attack the opposition. Some would probably rather have Sam Allardyce in charge than van Gaal.

As previously stated, it could just be hearsay. Guillem Balagué, one of the most respected journalists in world football, is quoted as saying that Guardiola to Manchester City is practically a done deal. This would make sense, given that they have never made any secret of their desire to lure him to the Etihad, and have two former Barcelona directors on their board. But again, nothing official has been confirmed yet, and is unlikely to be before the end of the season.

If he does come to Old Trafford, however, maybe we will finally see what all the fuss is about. United have a squad with plenty of individually talented players, some fantastic young prospects and there can be no doubt that more names will be added in the summer. One of the big issues is that they don’t seem to know how to play as a team. Would Guardiola be able to solve that?

For me, despite his trophy laden CV, the jury is still out.