Could United Pep City to Guardiola?

With more disappointing results occurring for Manchester United and the mountains of pressure looming over current boss Louis Van Gaal, the Red Devils are constantly being linked with Bayern boss Pep Guardiola. After announcing that he would indeed leave Bayern this summer as his contract ends, the speculation linking him to the premier league has been rife. The only question is, to which club?

Pep to United? There's been countless rumours...

Manchester City have certainly been kept as favourites to land the ex-Barcelona man, who surely could tempt anyone to their side with the hefty helpings of Arabian Oil money they would shower down upon him. But it has to be noted that Manchester United are still a bigger player in the market than their noisy neighbours. 

In terms of revenue reports, Manchester United were estimated at just below Barcelona and Real Madrid in terms of revenue earned in the 2014/15 year, so why couldn't they attract the most sought after manager on the planet? We take a closer look.

After Alex Ferguson's retirement, its certainly been an endless road in terms of searching for a successor who can get United firing on all cylinders in terms of the title. Many thought that Louis Van Gaal would take the league by storm in his second season in charge, however he's recieved nothing but criticism left right and centre. We can definitely see why.

If we look at the rumour mill on this transfer saga, we can identify potential reasons as to why Pep may or may not become the United boss. 

Introducing: Txiki Begiristain

First off, the Director of Football at Manchester City, the famous Txiki Begiristain, goes back quite a few years with Guardiola from their time together at Barcelona. It's the core reason, many believe that Guardiola would be tempted to go to the blue side of Manchester. 

Allegedly its also rumoured that senior figures at Manchester United have also caught wind of this, which was the main reason ( allegedly) that they didn't attempt to pursue Guardiola in the first place. The fear of losing out to their 'noisy neighbours' was something that CEO Ed Woodward, didn't want for the club.

Further rumours ( from numerous sources online ) have also indicated that there's infact a 'gentlemans agreement' in place between Guardiola and Begiristain to sign for Manchester City come the end of the season. Its thought that Ed Woodward discovered this through sources close to the blues and therefore decided to not even consider pursuing the Spaniard.

Could perhaps the strength of either Manchester sides squad be a factor in Guardiola's decision also? If he has indeed not made up his mind on where he'll be going to in the summer, would he possibly make his decision based on the quality of each team? 

We feel that if this be the case, then the Manchester City team would prevail. Their forward options alone are enough to make any manager lick his lips, the likes of Aguero, De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling spring to mind.

Turn this situation on its head however, would Pep prefer more of a challenge by taking on the Manchester United side? Who knows.

Could Pep be a red?

Whilst David Moyes was hailed as 'The chosen one' back in 2013, it was revealed in Ferguson's book that he wasn't 'The first choice chosen one'. No, Ferguson is quoted as saying he had originally approached Pep to succeed him, at a dinner in 2012. 

"I had dinner with Pep in New York, in 2012" Sir Alex wrote in his book. "I asked Pep to ring me before he accepted an offer from another club, but he didn't and ended up joining Bayern Munich"

What a revelation it must've been for United fans, to see that possibly the greatest manager of the times, rejected their team. However was it really rejection? Or simply a pro-longed introduction?

Perhaps we are understimating just how big the 'brand' of Manchester United really is. Its huge. The club are always in the news for being one of, or if not, the, most valuable sports club in the world. Is Pep simply playing hard to get?

We know that in terms of money, they can definitely flaunt it when they want to. Hefty price tags for some questionable players have definitely been paid over the past few seasons. With Pep Guardiola being known for splashing the cash on big names like Robert Lewandoswki for Bayern and Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas at Barcelona, could Manchester United lure him with a big transfer budget? 

What about their current style of play? Yes all be it a rigid system, however it is possession based and considering the man was Van Gaal's apprentice at Barcelona, he may be very appreciative of the system currently in place at Old Trafford. No question that his systems at Bayern and Barcelona have all revolved around strangling the opponents of possession, the only difference being, he has definitely had more success.

So why shouldn't United go for him?

RIP to LVG? Many feel the Dutchmans days are numbered

You don't need to be a football mastermind to work out that Van Gaals reign is having an effect on the club. Not only have the results been poor, but constant rumours of unrest in the dressing room and a 'toxic' atmosphere amongst the players are always in the media. With the team losing points and losing hope of a top four finish, should United not 'break the bank' to get someone as proven as Pep?

The man won 14 trophies in his first four years of management. Who else can do that? 

Manchester United have proven in previous seasons, that they can throw money at most things. Up until recently it was very much known they were planning a near enough £100 million pound bid for Barcelona Forward Neymar. The fact that they've not won a trophy in three years, should also reinforce this.

Surely Pep would want Manchester United on his CV also? Is the thought of managing the most successful English team, playing every week in front of 75,000 fans not alluring enough for the Catalan Legend? Who knows what the man wants, we can't really question him, considering his record.

Not to mention Europe. Pep Guardiola has a very good record in the Champions League, Van Gaal's men however, were knocked out at the group stage this year. An embarrassment for one of Europe's former elites.

All we know is that pressure is mounting on Van Gaal and the United directors to solve the problem. Whether they do it now or wait till the end of the season it would seem that Van Gaal has lost the fans and needs to go. As cruel as it may seem, that is modern day football.

A lot can happen between now and the end of the season, but its quite clear that the fans are calling for Pep, aswell as Louis Van Gaal's head. The only question is, when?

Mauricio to Manchester?

Widespread reports have been circling this past week, linking Tottenham Manager Mauricio Pochettino to potentially taking over at Manchester United. The former Saints boss has been linked with the move since United's recent slump in form under Louis Van Gaal.

Pochettino has never beaten the Dutchman in 3 attempts

The topic was discussed on Sky Sports 'Sunday Supplement' show, with the panel agreeing that if Manchester United were to come calling for the Argentine, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur, would struggle to keep a hold of their man.

"I know Daniel Levy holds onto his players until the last minute" Shaun Custis of The Sun news paper told the panel. "But there would be no way Tottenham would be able to stop Pochettino from going" 

If Manchester United were to go for the Tottenham boss, you can't really argue against it. After getting the job at such a turbulent time at Spurs, Pochettino certainly deserves plaudits for the job he's done with what at first seemed a very un-cohesive set of individuals.

 Alongside his work at Southampton, his job done at Tottenham should be equally commended, which is quite the opposite to what Critics will be saying of Louis Van Gaal's handy work at Manchester United.

Currently sat in 5th position, the Red Devils are actually below Mauricio's men, who currently occupy 4th spot, which is the minimum requirement for Van Gaal this season. Additionally when bringing the form guide into the equation, Tottenham have the 2nd best form in the league over the past 6 games, pipped only by rivals Arsenal, compared to Manchester United, currently lying 16th.

Devilishly Dutch: Pochettino has failed to win against LVG in three attempts

Despite Pochettino currently just edging it in terms of league position this season, he has never beaten Van Gaals United, this run included a 3-0 thumping at Old Trafford last season. It must however be mentioned that he has still had some very impressive results against the other big boys like a 4-1 win against Manchester City, an emphatic 5-3 win against Chelsea and a 2-1 win against North London rivals Arsenal.

Another area where Pochettino Prevails is in cup runs. One thing Van Gaal can't boast about during his time in England is Silverware. His failure to compete in the Capital One Cup was again present this season, losing to Middlesborough on penalties to be knocked out very early on. 

Combine this with being knocked out of the FA cup by Arsenal last season, his record doesn't paint him in the best light in terms of cup runs. Mauricio on the other hand, reached the Capital One Cup final at his first attempt, only to be beat By Chelsea. Say what you want, but it was indeed Spurs, not the Devils who played at Wembley and that deserves applause. 

Mauricio Like Moyes? Could Pochettino 'hack' the big time?

One last little bit of food for thought would be: Could Pochettino handle the big time? Famously David Moyes took on possibly the biggest club in the world after years of managing a medium sized club in Everton. We all know how that ended. It seems Moyes just couldn't handle the big personalties in the dressing room, the immense pressure of the media and the fans. Could Pochettino be a repeat?

Say what you like about Van Gaal and his style, but what he does boast is an impressive record at some of the worlds biggest clubs, managing some of the best players to have kicked a ball. While results aren't going his way right now, he does know how to handle such a mammoth task in Manchester United, the question is, Does Pochettino?

LVG eyes the FA Cup

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is reportedly making the FA cup a top priority this season, in a bid to win his first piece of silverware for the red devils. After recent disastrous Premier League form, a run in the cup could be just the tonic to help cure fans attitudes toward the Dutchman.

Glum Gaal: LVG certainly faces an uphill task to change fans opinions

Following a dismal 8 game winless streak, a 2-1 win over apparent 'ghost team' Swansea City, aided Van Gaal's cause slightly, however at a club like Manchester United, this single victory won't keep critics away for long, the club are dying for a trophy laden season.

In terms of the league position, United currently lie 5th, 6 points away from leaders Arsenal, which many would argue isn't too bad a place to be, considering there's still 18 games to play. However the form of the higher teams is something which should worry Van Gaal. League leaders Arsenal might prove a hard team to catch, having lost only once in their last six games. Therefore it would seem that United have a better chance of winning the FA Cup than the league itself, prompting LVG to possibly field his 'big guns' against Sheffield tomorrow night.

 Unfortunately for United fans however, Van Gaal spoke earlier today in his press conference of certain players who were in the 'Red Zone' for United. "Phil Jones is injured and a lot of players are in the red zone" The United manager told the media today. "Young was back in training this week, he is overloaded and in the red zone"

It would appear that certain United players are becoming Fatigued with the excessive playing time they've been given. Ashley Young is likely to be a big miss should he not take part tomorrow as he was certainly one of the brighter sparks in their win over Swansea City.

Welbeck Woes: The Mancunian knocked his former side out last season

In his debut season, it looked like the former Barcelona man Van Gaal could've gone onto win the trophy at his first attempt, had it not been for a fortuitous poor back pass from Antonio Valencia to gift Danny Welbeck the chance to knock out his boyhood team. United looked to be joint favourites last year with Arsenal when the two clashed at the Quarter final stage. 

A Wayne Rooney header had drawn United level in the first half and the match would prove to be extremely closely fought. Fate was not on the side of the Red Devils that night however, as Danny Welbeck scored a very opportunistic tap in after rounding De Gea, courtesy of poor play from Antonio Valencia. Arsenal would go onto win the trophy for a second consecutive season and leave United to continue their long 12 years, since they won it last. 

Will their fortunes change this season? Louis Van Gaal, for his jobs sake, will certainly hope so.

Want more of an FA cup Fix? We've got some great facts for you below:

1) The reds highest scoring FA Cup third round tie came in 1948 after they beat Aston Villa 6-4 at Villa park

2) After winning the treble in '99, United did not enter the FA cup in 2000 due to their participation in the  club world cup. It was a political decision, based around helping Englands bid for the 2006 World cup

3) Uniteds highest third round win on record was a 7-1 thrashing of Brentford at Old Trafford in 1928

4) The last time United won the FA Cup, old boys Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud Van Nistlerooy were on the scoresheet

5) Manchester United held the record for most FA cup wins, up until Arsenals consecutive victories, pushing them to 12, to take the record from the reds.

New year, new blood.

Widespread reports are currently linking Manchester United with hotshot Lazio Winger Felipe Anderson, as well as the young PSG starlet Marqhuinos.

Felipe Anderson ( Right ) Could be just what United need

After recently admitting his side lack fire power, Manchester United boss, Louis Van Gaal is reportedly preparing to launch a £30 million pound bid for the young Brazillian starlet. Despite being only 21, Anderson is thought to be very highly rated and could solve Uniteds problems in the final third.

With new signing Memphis Depay certainly dipping in form, Antonio Valencia Injured and Ashley Young being used primary as a fullback, out and out wingers see to be few and far between for the Red Devils.

Is Anderson being chased in order to add some star quality to Uniteds Flanks?

If so, there will be a contract worth £170,000 a week on offer for the young Brazillian as well as the chance to play for the biggest club in England.

In Addition to Anderson, Manchester United are reported as renewing their long-standing interest in former Roma defender Marquinhos. The current PSG Centreback is said to be unhappy in Paris and is eagerly looking towards the exit door.

With David Luiz and Thiago Silva keeping the young defender out of the team, Manchester United may be in with a chance of prising the Brazillian to Manchester.

This will of course be no easy task. Manchester United will have to pay top dollar for such a young talent, thought to be in the region of £35 million plus.