Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not hesitate for one moment when he was asked which Manchester United legend he wished he could have signed.
Pep Guardiola has had a decorated career in Spain, England and Germany and is widely considered as one of the best managers of all time.
The Manchester City head coach famously clashed with legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Barcelona.
Guardiola, who started his managerial career at the Camp Nou, won both of his Champions League titles at Barcelona against Sir Alex Ferguson’s United teams.
The Spaniard’s Barcelona side secured a 2-0 win over United in the 2009 final in Rome before the La Liga outfit beat the Red Devils 3-1 in the 2011 final at Wembley.
Guardiola ended his long wait for a third Champions League trophy as a manager last season after he led City to a continental treble.
City became only the second English team in history to achieve a continental treble, with Ferguson leading United to the same feat in the 1998-99 season.
Guardiola is a big admirer of Ferguson and was even tipped as a potential successor for him at Old Trafford after the Scotsman retired from football in 2013.
The 53-year-old Spaniard was impressed with the roster of players Ferguson assembled in the past, with one legendary ex-footballer standing out for him.
READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson asked which player he wishes he managed at Man Utd, he didn’t even hesitate
Guardiola wanted to manage one Man Utd legend
Pep Guardiola had incredible success in his first managerial post, with the Manchester City boss leading Barcelona to a continental treble.
During his time at the Camp Nou, the former Barcelona manager lifted three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and three Copa del Reys.
Ahead of crossing paths with Sir Alex Ferguson, Guardiola was asked which United player he would sign from the iconic Scot’s squad if he had the chance.
The ex-Bayern Munch and Barcelona head coach revealed his pick would be none other than United legend Paul Scholes.
Guardiola even made a cheeky offer for Paul Scholes to consider a move to Barcelona before his retirement, which showed his deep admiration for him.
When asked which United player he would sign, he told Sky Sports at the time: “From Manchester? Paul Scholes.
“I would like to have this player with us.
“Maybe there’s some doubt he sees before he retires and to [have] a good experience in a foreign country. We would like to have him […].”
Guardiola’s praise for Man Utd legend Scholes
Scholes spent his entire playing career at United and played under Ferguson across two different spells at Old Trafford.
The 49-year-old former United star is considered one of the best Premier League midfielders of all time alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Scholes had a remarkable impact at Old Trafford and even Guardiola called him the best midfielder of “his generation” ahead of the 2011 Champions League final.
“Out of everyone at Manchester United, I would pick out Scholes – he is the best midfielder of his generation,” Guardiola said at the time.
“I would have loved to have played alongside him.”