Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Pep Guardiola to succeed him at Manchester United

Alex Ferguson has criticised David Moyes for sacking Mike Phelan when he took over at Manchester United in 2013, accusing his successor of needing to prove his “manhood” by making “counter-productive” changes.

Paul Pogba is one player who slipped through the net at United, being allowed to join Juventus for a pittance before breaking into the first team at Old Trafford.

Writing in his new book entitled Leading, Ferguson confirmed that his oft-discussed meeting with Pep Guardiola in New York in 2012 did touch on his possible availability to take over at United.

However, the Scotsman revealed what really happened with the midfielder’s exit, shifting the blame onto Pogba’s agent, who he admitted to never trusting. He had been consistent in his job at Everton, had a good spell there – 11 years and showed appetite.

“I have to do my best for my players’ sake”.

“As an agent, I try to look after my players’ interests”.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the most successful and greatest football managers of all time.

“I’ve read some stuff about the condition of the United squad when I retired”, Ferguson said.

Check out OLBG.com’s list of ££ Free Bets from United Kingdom bookmakers before placing your bets!

Paul Pogba has gone on to star for Juventus after leaving Manchester United.

However, the former United boss added that he used to love watching Gianfranco Zola play for Chelsea, particularly because the Italian always played with a smile on his face, as noted in the in-depth Sky Sports interview.

The 73-year-old revealed that he distrusted Raiola, whose clients also include Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli, ‘from the moment I met him’. He became Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent while he was playing for Ajax, and eventually he would end up representing Pogba, who was only 18 years old at the time.

“He and I were like oil and water”, Ferguson said.