Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has identified one all-important element that Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola shared during their respective legendary managerial runs.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time, bowed out of Old Trafford after the end of the 2012-13 Premier League season.
Fast-forward from Ferguson’s retirement at Manchester United and former Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola has now bowed out of Manchester City as a manager.
Guardiola shared a longstanding history with Ferguson after the former Manchester City boss beat Ferguson’s Manchester United sides in two Champions League finals.
Where would Manchester United be RIGHT NOW if Pep Guardiola succeeded Sir Alex instead of David Moyes?🤔
Rio Ferdinand singles out something important that both Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola had in common
Pep Guardiola lifted both the League Cup and the FA Cup with Manchester City in his final season at the Premier League club as a manager.
However, the 55-year-old Spaniard was unable to capture the Premier League title after Arsenal beat Man City to the trophy by a seven-point margin.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand touched on Guardiola’s legacy and the comparisons made with Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 47-year-old former United defender highlighted that Ferguson and Guardiola’s respective impacts extended to creating the next crop of managers in football.
“And I think what Sir Alex and Pep Guardiola, the way I think you go [for what is] really comparable,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“They were that good, while doing that job of winning and being consistent and sustaining a high level over all these years, they were churning out people to become managers.
“You look at the managers that have become managers and done well under Fergie.
“And then you look at what Pep’s doing now and the ones that he’s got might surpass the ones that come under Sir Alex.”
What is your INSTANT REACTION to the news Pep Guardiola will leave City?
Enzo Maresca is set to replace him: United will finish above them next season?
Rio Ferdinand on Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson and Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola setting up managers for the future
Ferdinand explained that Ferguson and Guardiola were not only world-class managers, but also excellent “teachers” for the next set of coaches in football.
“You’ve got like Xabi Alonso, you’ve got [Enzo] Maresca, you’ve got [Mikel] Arteta, now a champion, you’ve got Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique at PSG, was with him there,” he continued.
“Even Erik ten Hag was under him at Bayern [Munich]. Like, there’s [sic] so many managers that have been out and just become managers and but doing it at a top level.
“So, again, just not great managers, but great teachers those two. That separates them, too, from all the others easily.”
Guardiola has taken a break from his managerial career and the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss will serve in an ambassadorial role for Man City.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
