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?