Jose Mourinho on Man U: "Forget the last three years"
However, in his new book, Ferran Soriano reveals the root of the argument.
Soriano was general manager at Barcelona when Guardiola was appointed boss at the Nou Camp and Mourinho was overlooked for the position.
“Both had great virtues and they seemed to be at opposite ends of an imaginary scale,” Soriano revealed in his new book 'Goal: The ball doesn’t go into the net by chance'.
“At the one end we had [Mourinho] an experienced coach, who was successful, with a strong personality, and a controversial reputation.
“At the other end was [Guardiola] a very talented person, who was totally familiar with the club, but without significant experience as a coach.
“The Portuguese coach’s method generated media conflict almost permanently and it was also a potential source of conflict within the club.”
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And Mourinho's confrontational style almost worked against him again in his pursuit of the United job.
The 53-year-old has been open about his desire to manage at Old Trafford and is said to have spent the last six months turning down other jobs waiting to be offered the chance.
But Express Sport understands a significant portion of the United board had been holding back their endorsement on account of their concerns about Mourinho's personality.