Manchester United almost lost superstar to Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola admitting he desperately wanted the player

Pep Guardiola really wanted to bring a Manchester United player to the Etihad.

The former Manchester City manager had every intention of sending shockwaves through the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola wanted to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United

While Ruben Amorim failed to believe in Marcus Rashford, Pep Guardiola has always rated the Englishman very highly.

During his career, the striker has hit the back of the net seven times against Manchester City, leaving an enormous impression on the Spanish coach.

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During an episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ryan Giggs reflected on comments made by Guardiola over a dinner.

The Welshman reminisced: “There’s about eight of us, so he [Sir Alex Ferguson] sat me next to Pep; this was about, I’m going to say, about eight or nine years ago. I’ve gone to Pep and says, ‘Who do you like at United’?,’ He went, ‘Well, who do you think’?

“So I went, ‘David De Gea‘? He went, ‘No’. [I suggested] ‘Luke Shaw‘? He said ‘The best player at Man United, Marcus Rashford. I would take him tomorrow’. And that just made me [think], what’s he seeing, Pep? And that was obviously as a centre forward.”

Throughout his stint in Manchester, Guardiola made a host of big-name signings. And there’s no doubt that securing the services of the natural-born goal scorer would’ve ruffled a few feathers.

All 24 players who have left Manchester United in the transfer window

Last season, Rashford thrived in Spain, scoring 14 goals for Barcelona.

However, despite his performances at the Camp Nou, the European giants didn’t want to keep him, sending the footballer back to Old Trafford.

While speculation was rife that the England international would move elsewhere, in a surprise to some, he’s remained at the Theatre of Dreams.

But the same can’t be said for everyone.

Here are all 24 players who left Manchester United during the transfer window.

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