Source: Daily_Mail
United manager Sir Alex tried to land Barcelona boss Guardiola, says agent
Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as a player for Manchester United in 2000, according to the Catalan's agent. [LNB]Josep Maria Orobitg has revealed that Guardiola (right), who has led Barcelona to the top of La Liga and the quarter-finals of the Champions League in his first season in charge, was keen to join United. [LNB]But disagreements about the meeting saw any potential move for the midfielder fall through. [LNB]Orobitg said: 'Pep's contract was ending in June 2001. Alex Ferguson's son [Jason, an agent] called me the previous October to say United were keen on Pep. [LNB]'For his part, Pep liked what he saw... a big club with an exemplary organisation. I insisted that we only listened to what United had to say and not make any steps until we had spoken to Barcelona president Joan Gaspart. [LNB]'Ferguson wanted a meeting with Pep and the appointment would be in Seville. It was ultimately cancelled because United were angry things were taking too long.'[LNB]The draw for the Champions League semi-finals means that if United and Barcelona, tipped by Ferguson as the biggest threat to the European champions retaining their crown, could meet in the Rome final. [LNB][LNB][LNB] Playing days: Guardiola training with Barcelona in 2001[LNB] Veteran Neville eyes Premier League title run-in after reserve team returnEngland's No 1 Rooney: I will never stop being a hot-headFergie: Barcelona pose biggest threat to United in the Champions LeagueEngland fans vote Rooney player of the year but United star eyes trophiesMANCHESTER UNITED FC
