Man U plays down Ferguson-Guardiola meeting in New York

London: Manchester United has talked down manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s meeting with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola in New York as just a coincidence.

Spanish media reports suggested Ferguson flew to the United States to discuss handing over the reins at United next summer to Guardiola, but United has made it clear that the gaffer went there to watch Andy Murray play in US Open final. According to the Daily Express, Guardiola, who quit Barcelona at the end of last season, is one of the favourites, along with Jose Mourinho, to succeed Ferguson, who turns 71 in December. The Spaniard has relocated to New York with one of the reasons given to improve his English in readiness for a job in the Premier League. ANI