It is believed that Louis van Gaal will fulfill his three year contract at Manchester United, and then ride off into the sunset. He will keep his retirement promise. Does Pep Guardiola then step in and become boss at Old Trafford? What about Ryan Giggs? We’ve heard numerous times that the job will belong to Giggs once Van Gaal retires.
Well, now we’re hearing Giggs to Swansea City could be a thing, and we’re hearing Pep Guardiola could be happening next year instead of two years from now.
Old Trafford officials have “significantly upgraded what had previously only been back-channel contact with Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola.”
There is little chance of Van Gaal being sacked before the end of the season, though Manchester City’s interest in Guardiola — coupled with United’s early exit from the Champions League — looks set to leave the Dutch coach’s future in doubt beyond next summer.
Less than two weeks ago, the Mail on Sunday claimed: “Pep Guardiola would prefer to manage Manchester United when he eventually comes to the Premier League.”
That same day, we saw another item on the Bayern Munich man, although this one involved the blue side of Manchester. According to that edition of the Sunday Mirror: “Bayern Munich fear they have failed to keep Pep Guardiola out of the clutches of Manchester City.”
Of course, it’s not exactly a forgone conclusion that Bayern are willing and ready to let him leave the Allianz Arena yet either. It seems like some of these narratives are starting to have teeth now. And even if they don’t, they’re still quite fun to discuss.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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