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.   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.   But disagreements about the meeting saw any potential move for the midfielder fall through.   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.  '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.   '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.'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.  Playing days: Guardiola training with Barcelona in 2001 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

Source: Daily_Mail