Sir Alex Ferguson reflects on missed chance to sign Pep Guardiola
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 9:39 AM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that a missed dinner in 2012 prevented Manchester United from hiring Pep Guardiola as manager after his retirement in 2013. In his new book, Ferguson reflects on how this conversation could have altered the course of football history. Guardiola, who joined Bayern Munich instead, has gone on to achieve remarkable success at Manchester City. Ferguson praised Guardiola's impact on modern football and managerial standards. The former Manchester United boss expressed regret about the timing of their meeting, suggesting an earlier discussion could have changed everything for United.
- •Ferguson regrets not dining with Guardiola earlier in 2012.
- •Guardiola committed to Bayern Munich before United's managerial search.
- •Manchester United has struggled since Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
- •Ferguson praises Guardiola's influence on players and managers alike.
- •Guardiola has achieved significant success with Manchester City.
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Sir Alex Ferguson explains key mistake in Man United’s 2012 pursuit of Pep Guardiola
- 9:39 AMYahoo Sports — Sir Alex Ferguson Reveals Key Mistake That Stopped Pep Guardiola To Man Utd
"Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his unsuccessful attempt to persuade Pep Guardiola to join the club as his successor during a dinner in 2012. The legendary Scott...
"A missed dinner and late timing cost the Red Devils their dream successor. The legendary manager reflects on the wine-fueled conversation that could have changed football history.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 8, 2026, 10:05 AMSir Alex Ferguson explains key mistake in Man United’s 2012 pursuit of Pep Guardiola
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his unsuccessful attempt to persuade Pep Guardiola to join the club as his successor during a dinner in 2012. The legendary Scott...
- Yahoo SportsOct 8, 2026, 9:39 AMSir Alex Ferguson Reveals Key Mistake That Stopped Pep Guardiola To Man Utd
A missed dinner and late timing cost the Red Devils their dream successor. The legendary manager reflects on the wine-fueled conversation that could have changed football history.
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