With Pep Guardiola now in control at Manchester City, the Spaniard has been quick to implement his tiki-taka style of football on the two-time Premier League champions – and our City fans here in the Transfer Tavern are loving it!
To make this adjustment on his new side, Guardiola has had to bring in some key players as he attempts to continue his philosophy that proved so successful at Bayern Munich and Barcelona prior to settling on a move to Manchester.
Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones and Nolito were all signed by the former Barcelona captain to insure his stamp on this City side was swiftly implemented.
The trio of stars have brought a new sense of optimism to the Etihad Stadium, but ahead of this weekend’s Manchester Derby we take a look at Manchester United’s squad and ask the question brought to us by the landlord of who would be best suited to a Pep Guardiola side.
Though the City fans may not want some of these players lining out for their beloved Blues, many cannot argue they would make Guardiola’s already impressive side, even better.
Luke Shaw
For more than a decade, Manchester City have struggled to identify a left-back capable of defending and attacking.
Players such as Aleksandr Kolarov, Javier Garrido and Michael Ball have come and still remain, but there’s no denying Luke Shaw’s ability to attack and defend would suit Manchester City’s style of play.
Shaw, who signed from Southampton in 2014, has been a regular for Manchester United and despite a horrific leg break last season, the England international looks as good as ever as he continues his recovery.
Paul Pogba
Pogba is now the world’s most expensive player, and he has become a highly-sought after commodity following a successful four-year stint at Juventus.
Rejected by City in 2012, when he left Manchester United on a free transfer, because of the club’s belief in Olivier Ntcham (now of Genoa) to become even better than Pogba, which has not worked out so well.
His ability to command a midfield is the perfect attribute City would need right now, as they look to find a long-term replacement for Yaya Toure who is not fancied by Guardiola.
Marcus Rashford
With Marcus Rashford having only made his debut for Manchester United in February, it may come as a surprise to have him listed here.
The 19-year old has been sensational since scoring on his league debut against Arsenal at Old Trafford in February and with Guardiola’s ability to ensure his youth players reach the next level, there’s no denying Rashford would prove good value at the Etihad Stadium right now.
City fans are well aware of Rashford’s talent as he famously scored the winning goal on his Manchester Derby debut the last time the side’s met in March.
