Manchester United will head into the international break off the back of a draw after picking up a point at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Another international break is now upon us as Manchester United players prepare to head away with their countries.
This period in the season is always so frustrating for supporters.
The September international break comes just a month into the new Premier League season and just as everybody gets back into the swing of the season, another break arrives.
United period since the last break hasn’t exactly been impressive but at least Erik ten Hag avoided defeat at Aston Villa, securing a 0-0 draw.
Defeat at Villa Park could have made the international break a difficult time for Ten Hag but the under-fire boss picked up a point on the road.
Pep Guardiola following Sir Alex Ferguson strategy
Players are now set to travel away with their countries though some players – such as Harry Maguire – have not been called up.
For those not involved in international games, this will be a time to recharge and prepare for the Premier League’s return in a fortnight.
Managers will have different approaches to the break but Pep Guardiola has now admitted that his is inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking to Match of the Day, Guardiola admitted that he plans to give everybody some time off.
Guardiola claims that Brian Kidd told him that Ferguson used that approach during his time at Manchester United.
The City boss is taking the approach that, if it’s good enough for Ferguson, then it’s good enough for him too.
Guardiola noted that the winter months are ‘terrible’ in England, no doubt referencing the weather as well as the busy schedule in football.
“I love it,” said Guardiola.
“I would have the international break every two weeks. I love it, I think for the players it’s a problem, that’s why we always defend the players.
“I’m going to rest and after the international break, my energy is back. Everyone, the physios, the doctors, we close the window.
“When I arrived here, Brian Kidd told me that Sir Alex Ferguson used the international break to say everyone was off and I thought… if Sir Alex Ferguson has done it… I think ‘I’m going to do it’ and everyone goes home because December, January, February and March here is terrible,” he added.
Sir Alex Ferguson has inspired Guardiola
United ands will never particularly like Guardiola but the City boss has been inspired by Ferguson before.
Guardiola named Ferguson as the greatest manager of all time back in December 2023, ahead of John Cruyff and Arrigo Sacchi.
Guardiola has even highlighted more advice from Brian Kidd, inspired by the Ferguson era at United.
Kidd told Guardiola to forget all about the League Cup, claiming that Ferguson always felt that the competition didn’t matter at all.
Ferguson still won the competition four times at United but it’s clear that Kidd passed on nuggets of information from the Ferguson reign to aid Guardiola and City.
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